The health ministry has achieved 98 per cent viral suppression of HIV, surpassing its target of 95 per cent by 2030. Viral suppression of HIV is when the virus is low enough in the body that standard laboratory tests cannot detect it. According to the World Health Organisation, HIV viral suppression helps improve health, prevents sexual transmission and reduces mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Viral suppression can be achieved through antiretroviral therapy or ART, which is a medication treatment regime. ART not only prevents transmission of HIV but also recovers and strengthens the immune system, reduces illness and death and improves overall health. The health ministry has provided ART medication treatment since 2004.
The World Health Organisation reveals that ART medication suppresses the virus, but stopping or missing doses can reverse this effect.
According to a health ministry official, viral suppression is achieved when the amount of HIV in the blood is less than 50 copies per millilitre of blood.
“When it is below 50 copies, we say undetectable, and when it is undetectable, it is not easily transmitted. Though it does not transmit, we still advocate that one should take precautions and use condoms during sexual intercourse,” said Deki Phuntsho, Programme Analyst of National HIV Control Programme, Health Ministry.
The health ministry has Voluntary counselling and Testing Centres and awareness programmes in districts with the support of local governments.
“We have Health Information and Service Centres in about six places such as Thimphu, Phuentshogling, Lobesa, Trongsa, Samdrup Jongkar, and Gelephu. They advocate for prevention and also provide treatment if infected,” added Deki Phuntsho, Programme Analyst of National HIV Control Programme, Health Ministry.
However, the biggest challenge, according to the health ministry, is that stigma and discrimination keep people from seeking treatment.
As of June last year, 980 people were living with HIV in the country.
Singye Dema
Edited by Sonam Pem
