The HIV/AIDS epidemic is higher in Internally Displaced Persons’ IDP camps, urban areas and in the Equatoria region among young women and men due to social-cultural factors that expose them to the risk, says UNAIDS Strategic Intervention Advisor.
Mumtaz Mia says the two-year civil war in South Sudan leaves a sharp rise in the rate of HIV infections, Anadolu Agency reports.
The sharp rise in HIV infection has affected largely women and children crowded in Protection of Civilians camps, Mia discloses.
New HIV infections among South Sudanese have risen from 13 thousand to 18 thousand between 2013 and 2015, the advisor says.
Mia says about 190 thousand people are now living with the disease.
AIDS is not a death sentence; do not discriminate against HIV survivors, the advisor appeals to the general public.
A recent study by UNAIDS shows 80 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS have been discriminated against due to ignorance.
There are no funds for creation of awareness on HIV/AIDS, says South Sudan Aids Commission Advisor, Alice Kenyi Lagu.
South Sudan Network of People living with HIV says there is need to encourage all sexually active youths and adults to go for HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing services.