Iranian health minister says HIV infections soaring
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 2 December 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iranian health minister says HIV infections soaring, 2 December 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/52e659843.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
December 02, 2013
Hassan Hashemi said the "pattern has changed from transmission of the infection through drug injection to unprotected sexual intercourse."
Iran's health minister has warned that the number of people in the country infected with HIV/AIDS has risen dramatically over the past two decades.
The "Shahrvand" newspaper on December 2 quoted Hassan Hashemi as saying, "The disease has increased by 80 percent annually."
Hashemi added that the "pattern has changed from transmission of the infection through drug injection to unprotected sexual intercourse."
He further noted that a huge part of the problem was the "negative public attitude" toward HIV/AIDS and those who are infected, and that "unless the taboo is broken there will be no progress in controlling the disease."
HIV/AIDS and extramarital sex is rarely spoken about in public in Iran.
Deputy Health Minister Ali Sayyari blamed the spread of HIV/AIDS on satellite TV programs, gyms, and beauty salons, which he described as a "triangle of death."
Based on reporting by ISNA and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
