DHAKA: The theme for World AIDS Day 2014 is ‘Getting to zero’. Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths.

According to the GAP Report from UNAIDS, 1.5 million people worldwide died of AIDS-related illnesses in 2013. By the end of 2013, an estimated 35 million people around the world were living with HIV.

However, the number of HIV affected people in Bangladesh is vague. The exact number could not be revealed as several organizations reported different descriptions.

Experts think that the proper initiatives can not be taken if the number of the affected people is unknown.

The first HIV infected patient was detected in 1989 in the country.

The common symptoms of HIV are cold or flu, fever, fatigue, rash. Other common symptoms can include headache, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat.

Moreover, the virus continues to multiply actively and infects and kills the cells of the immune system. The immune system allows living beings to fight bacteria, viruses, and other infectious causes.

The virus destroys the cells that are the primary infection fighters, called CD4+ or T4 cells.

The ultimate result of the disease is death.

According to declaration of Health Minister Mohammed Nasim, the number of AIDS carrying people is 1,299 till November 30, 2013. Besides, 3,241 people are HIV infected in the country till then.

According to the UNAIDS, the total number of HIV infected people till 2013 in Bangladesh is 10,500.

The domestic and foreign statistics created an anxiety to the common people in this regard.

National AIDS/STD Program Director (Line Director) Dr Hussain Sarwar Khan said that the rate of HIV affected people in Bangladesh is less than other neighboring countries. The number is less than 0.10 of the total population, he added.

He also said that Bangladesh is not totally risk free of HIV-AIDS but the victims of this deadly disease are treated under a stigma. They are not able to take any service for HIV-AIDS in the society. In most cases they feel shame to introduce them as HIV positive. This is a huge challenge, he added.

According to the public and private organizations, a total of 472 people were killed due to HIV-AIDS in the country till now.

A UNAIDS Gap report shows that all of the HIV victims of Bangladesh died as there is a lack of antiretroviral medicine.

Another report of Lancet revealed that 70 people of each million in Bangladesh are at risk of HIV-AIDS.

The experts said that knowing the exact number of the affected people and taking initiatives against this deadly threat is highly needed.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have given separate messages remarking the day.

President Abdul Hamid said that AIDS has emerged as a hazardous threat to the humanity. There is no other way but creating public awareness as the key to get rid of this.

Premier Sheikh Hasina said that the government has been implementing various programs for the prevention of AIDS.

"Identification and treatment of AIDS/HIV affected people are underway among the vulnerable groups under an initiative to attain the goal of MDG-6," she said.

World AIDS Day is being observed on Monday in the city with elaborate programs to raise awareness on the deadly disease.

BDST: 1756 HRS, DEC 01, 2014