Intentional transmission of HIV in Angola has increased in recent months, at an average of 15 messages per day, as evidenced by the practice among “adults over 50 with some financial well-being”, according to support organizations.
According to the Anaso-Rede Angolana das Organizações de Serviços de HIV e AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria communiqué, to which Lusa had access, in the last six months of this year, the numbers point to an increase in this type of cases, which is “compromising efforts to prevent and control the epidemic AIDS in Angola”.
“The Anaso Community Observatory is logging an average of 15 reports per day of cases of intentional transmission, which is a concern and if urgent action is not taken, we could develop into an alarming situation in the near future,” the network warns.
The document emphasizes that the victims are mostly women between the ages of 15 and 39 who have certain social difficulties in meeting their needs, but there are also cases among men.
“Threats fall on adults over 50 with some financial health who continue to promote the penitentiary phenomenon. [adultos com relações com adolescentes]”, the note says.
This practice, according to Anaso, is also seen in young people “who in a negative way choose to deliberately transmit the virus out of revenge and bad faith.”
“We are aware that the number of cases in the country is higher and we regret that the majority of people who approach Anaso later ask for the complaints to be canceled for fear of reprisals from offenders or due to stigma and discrimination. “, the message says.
The network emphasizes that it is working on a memorandum to file with the police and the Angola Bar Association so that these cases deserve treatment without affecting people with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
Deliberate transfer in Angola is a crime punishable by 10 to 15 years in prison, which is why Anaso encourages victims to file complaints with the competent authorities, stressing that it monitors court cases that end in convictions.
In Angola, which currently has more than 350,000 people with HIV, of which 190,000 are women, there are an average of 21,000 new infections and about 13,000 AIDS-related deaths each year.
Only 58% of people with HIV in Angola are aware of their HIV status, and only 46% of people with the virus are on antiretroviral therapy.
The platform, which includes 315 public action organizations, a total of about 30,000 activists and public health representatives, advocates for people’s awareness of behavior change and develops public campaigns to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
“Anaso is also promoting a space for dialogue about sex and sexuality, especially with girls and boys, because it recognizes that there is still a lack of information on HIV transmission and prevention in both urban and rural areas,” the note emphasizes. . .
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.