The World AIDS Day campaign in Bhutan focused on elimination of parent to child transmission of HIV by 2015. Of the total 346 reported, 27 cases are parent to child transmission, which according to the health ministry, is a concern.
This year’s theme is on ‘Getting to zero’- meaning zero new HIV infection, zero discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths.
The Health Minister, Tandin Wangchuk, said parent to child transmission could be eliminated if all the pregnant women visit health facilities to get tested.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Christina Carlson, also acknowledged the government’s strong commitment on the pledge to eliminate mother to child transmission of HIV by 2015. “The progress has been remarkable with policy interventions to mandate all pregnant women to undergo HIV testing and counselling during their antenatal care visits and free antiretroviral treatment to those pregnant women, who are HIV positive.”
Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Sangay Choden Wangchuck, also the goodwill ambassador of UNFPA graced the occasion.
Her Majesty the Queen Mother also launched the first strategic plan for Lhak-sam for the next five years. The organisation wills work towards mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS in the country.
Lhak-sam’s Chairperson, Dechen Wangmo, said they are creating awareness through their experience in different schools and institutions.
Through the strategic plan, Lhak-sam will provide support and care to those living with HIV/AIDS, capacity building for the members and also pioneer in HIV research.
The first case of HIV in Bhutan was detected in 1993 through routine medical screening. Two decades later, Bhutan has detected a total of 346 people with HIV. Currently there are 272 people living with HIV in Bhutan.
