Abu Ayub Khan :: HIV infections are increasing at an alarming rate in the border district of Jashore, with a particularly sharp rise among young people and students, according to health officials.
Data from the health department show that more than 40 people were infected with HIV in Jashore up to October this year, of whom at least 25 were students. Many of the infected youths have already progressed to AIDS. Most of the affected students are between 17 and 23 years old, a figure significantly higher than last year and one that has raised serious concern among health experts and parents.
Sources at the 250-bed Jashore General Hospital said that between January and October this year, of the 40 HIV-positive cases identified, 23 were men and 14 were women. The most worrying aspect, hospital officials said, is that students account for the majority of the infections.
By comparison, a total of 25 HIV cases were detected in Jashore in 2024, of which 12 were students. In just ten months this year, the number of infected students has more than doubled.
Hospital sources further said that 23 of the newly infected individuals identified this year belong to the men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) group. Last year, five HIV-positive patients died in the district.
At present, around 220 HIV and AIDS patients are receiving treatment at the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centre of the Jashore General Hospital. These patients include residents not only from Jashore but also from other districts of the Khulna division.
Jashore has a population of approximately 3.046 million. Based on current data, health officials estimate that nearly one person per 100,000 population is living with AIDS in the district.
Experts believe the district’s border location and surrounding socio-economic factors are contributing to the rapid spread of the virus. The rising infection rate among young students, in particular, has become a major public health concern.
Dr Kaniz Fatema, chief coordinator of the ART Centre at the 250-bed Jashore General Hospital, said the rate of HIV infection among youths is increasing at a worrying pace.
“Young people are now showing more curiosity towards same-sex relationships than opposite-sex relationships, which is a matter of concern,” she said, adding that uncontrolled internet use has played a role in shaping such behaviour.
She noted that the trend is especially visible among school, college, and university students and stressed the need for targeted awareness programs, counseling, and regular testing to prevent further spread of the virus.
Public health experts warn that without urgent interventions focusing on young people, awareness, and early detection, HIV infections in Jashore could continue to rise in the coming years.
আপনার মতামত লিখুন :