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CDC HIV/AIDS/Viral Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News Update

Saudi Arabia Reports More than 6,700 AIDS Patients




 

Associated Press (10.22.03) - Thursday, October 23, 2003

According to the Ministry of Health in the conservative Islamic kingdom, Saudi Arabia has registered 6,787 cases of AIDS. Mohammed al-Jifry, head of the Epidemic and Parasitic Diseases Authority, said the cases include 1,509 Saudi nationals. Of the patients, 77 percent are males ages 15-49. Authorities registered at least 200 new cases last year, al- Jifry reported. Ninety-five percent of the cases in Saudi Arabia occurred through "forbidden sexual relations," al-Jifry said. Saudi Arabia follows a strict interpretation of Islam and has harsh penalties for adultery and fornication.



 


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Information in this article was accurate in October 23, 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.