Age of HIV Infection in Iran Reaches 15 Years Old

The head of Iran’s AIDS Research Center said: Our estimate is that Iran has approximately 60,000 people with AIDS. While we have only discovered 40,000 people; meaning we have only identified one-third of them, and I clearly state that if we are not allowed to use national media, especially radio and television, to educate and prevent AIDS, the situation will remain as it is.

He further stated that the average age of starting sexual relations in Iran has reached 13.5 years old, and many of the individuals who come to us with HIV symptoms are 15 and 16 years old.

The head of Iran’s AIDS Research Center explained that an important point in this regard is the hidden population of HIV-infected individuals in rural areas who, due to less control in the prevention and treatment process, because of social issues, are considered part of the hidden and dangerous statistics of HIV infection in our country. The prevalence of AIDS in rural areas, given the taboos and social stigma that this disease carries in rural environments, can fuel its spread.

Source: Voice of America