HIV in Afghanistan: challenges, efforts and recommendations

Siddiqui, Javeria Arif; Vohra, Laiba Imran; Essar, Mohammad Yasir

doi:10.1097/ms9.0000000000000096

Cited by 1 publication

(12 citation statements)

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“…23 Although the official registered cases of HIV stand at 2923 as of 2019, UNAIDS estimates indicate a much higher number of approximately in Afghanistan, 11,000 persons are infected with HIV. 23,24 The country faces the significant challenge of illiteracy, which has profound consequences on people's lives and lifestyles. While the overall incidence of HIV in Afghanistan is low, the country is considered extremely dangerous, particularly among certain demographics.…”

Section: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv)mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Despite these challenges, Afghanistan has implemented a successful "test-and-treat" strategy for HIV since its introduction in 2017. 23,24 Remarkably, 95% of diagnosed HIV cases have been linked to care, with almost nine-tenth receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). This approach has contributed to controlling HIV within the region.…”

Section: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv)mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Additionally, the prejudice that is associated with HIV/AIDS among both the general population and health care workers exacerbates afflicted people' well-being. 24 Most HIV and AIDS patients' social status suffers as well, raising their challenges with society. Furthermore, the expense of HIV/AIDS medicines, which is projected to vary between $1800 and $4500 USD each month during a person's lifetime, is a considerable financial burden for Afghanistan's middle-class people, who make an average yearly pay of $18,505 USD.…”

Section: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv)mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These services are made available in 12 regions throughout the country. 24,25 Additionally, HIV care and antiretroviral medication, as well as voluntary consultation and screening centers (ART), are offered at five designated sites in Kabul, Herat, Mazar, Nangarhar, and Khost. 25 The fight against HIV in Afghanistan has received significant financial investment, with an estimated $ 14,392,000 USD allocated since 2012.…”

Section: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv)mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The United Nations Development Programme was critical in converting the 2021 Political Declaration on HIV and the Global AIDS Strategy into tangible steps, while advocating for a unified approach that ensures no one is left behind. 23,24 Furthermore, the National Solidarity Program for the period from 2016 to 2020, the goal has been to promote gender equality and rights, therefore eliminating stigma and prejudice. 26,30 This initiative has established supportive legal frameworks that promote effective HIV prevention and increase access to essential services.…”

Section: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv)mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Infectious diseases in Afghanistan: Strategies for health system improvement

Essar,

Siddiqui,

Head

2023

Health Science Reports

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Background and AimAfghanistan is grappling with a severe health crisis marked by a high prevalence of infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, and the added strain of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The nation's healthcare system, already fragile, faces formidable challenges. Socioeconomic constraints, including limited resources and financial barriers, hinder healthcare accessibility, leading to delayed or inadequate care. Environmental factors, such as poor sanitation and crowded living conditions, exacerbate the transmission of diseases, especially waterborne illnesses. Governance issues, encompassing transparency, corruption, and political instability, disrupt healthcare efficiency and resource allocation. Addressing these multifaceted issues is vital to enhance Afghanistan's healthcare system and overall well‐being. The withdrawal of international support has exacerbated these challenges. The primary research goal is to deeply understand Afghanistan's health system, focusing on the major disease burdens: Tuberculosis, Malaria, AIDS, COVID‐19, Measles, Hepatitis, and Cholera. The study aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of current approaches, presenting a comprehensive view of challenges and opportunities within the Afghan healthcare system. The research concludes by highlighting policy implications, practical implementation, and offering recommendations for future endeavors.MethodologyThis paper provides a thorough analysis of the literature concerning infectious diseases in Afghanistan and the enhancement of the healthcare system in the nation. A systematic exploration of the literature was conducted through PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The search terms used encompassed “Tuberculosis” OR “TB,” “Malaria,” “acquired immunodeficiency syndrome” OR “AIDS,” “Human immunodeficiency virus” OR “HIV,” “COVID‐19,” “Measles,” “Hepatitis virus,” “Cholera,” “Health system improvement,” and “Afghanistan.” Additionally, external sources like UNICEF, CDC, and WHO were referenced.ResultsIn conclusion, while improving access to vital medicines and vaccines is crucial for enhancing health outcomes in Afghanistan, significant challenges must be addressed to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of such strategies. The Afghan health system's fragile governance, corruption, logistical complexities, and failure to address broader social and economic factors pose significant risks and obstacles to the implementation of proposed health strategies. Therefore, the strategies discussed in this analysis align with key Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3, and their successful implementation will have implications not only for the health and well‐being of Afghanistan but also for global health.ConclusionHence, by adopting a comprehensive approach with complementary interventions as discussed, we can address issues in the Afghan health system and reduce transmissible diseases’ burden, thereby building a better world for all.

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Section: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv)mentioning

confidence: 99%