CIU academician Assist. Prof. Dr. Arkut stated that the most effective way to prevent AIDS is through education

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Health Sciences Vice Dean Assist. Prof. Dr. Afet Arkut stated that according to data from the World Health Organization, approximately 38 million people were infected with HIV by the end of 2019, and in the TRNC, 75 people were living with a HIV positive diagnosis as of the end of 2019, which is a huge increase compared to the previous year.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Arkut explained that Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), is caused by the HIV virus, and expressed that it occurs when the immune system cells are disrupted.

Reminding that the HIV virus is a disease that can be transmitted from one person to another via bodily fluids, such as blood, sperm, vaginal secretion and breast milk, Arkut went on to say, “One of the most important means of transmission is unprotected sexual intercourse. In addition, the virus can be transmitted by polygamy, frequently changing your partners, the use of common syringes and razors, blood transfusion, non-sterilized syringes, needles, surgical instruments, instruments used in dentistry, tattoos, piercings and acupuncture equipment".

Stating that the detection of infected people with reliable diagnostic testing, and the initiation of their treatment can prolong their life span, Assist. Prof. Dr. Arkut noted that the administering of HIV treatment slows the reproduction of the virus, increases the individual’s quality of life, and reduces the mortality rate.

Stating that HIV treatment reduces the rate of deaths caused by AIDS, Arkut underlined that more than 12 million AIDS patients worldwide have no access opportunities to treatment, and that it is feared that this number has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic process.

Arkut stated that while HIV treatment is effective in preventing virus transmission, he also said that one of the most important points is still primary protection. Stating that monogamy, delaying the age of sexual intercourse, the use of latex condoms during sexual intercourse and women’s intravaginal condoms are important in terms of preventing contamination, Arkut elaborated, “Protection methods from AIDS are much more economical and safer than the treatment process. The most effective way to prevent the spreading of this virus is via education”.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Arkut also drew attention to the elimination of prejudices in relation to the disease within society, and informed that infected individuals can access treatment earlier with policies that prevent discrimination and stigmatization.