According to The National daily, “the UN report, for the first time, released figures on the prevalence of the disease in the Emirates and potential risk factors.”
The UN report showed that 636 UAE nationals were living with HIV last year and only 121 chose to remain in the UAE for treatment, the daily added.
“ Only nationals are allowed to seek long-term treatment in the Emirates. The report also said that of the 49 new cases found last year, 19 were in Dubai and 17 were in Abu Dhabi,” The National said.
The head of the UAE’s National Aids Programme praised the report for shedding light on HIV and Aids and supported a call to strengthen the country’s fight against the disease, the daily added.
Dr Nada al Marzouqi, the head of the National Aids Programme and one of the authors of the report said: “This is a good step because transparency is very important. HIV is in the UAE and we cannot hide from it.”
He said that the report showed a significant shift in the way the country treats the previously “taboo” topic.
All expatriate workers must be tested for HIV/Aids before they can be granted residency visas. Those who test positive must return to their home countries.
Courtesy Arabian Business www.arabianbusiness.com%2F588224-more-than-630-nationals-in-uae-have-aids—paper