Tackling the stigma associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and promoting effective communication between healthcare professionals and people with HIV (PWH) were the focus of a special workshop held in Bahrain.
The programme was sponsored by Gilead Sciences in collaboration with the Health Ministry and leading healthcare experts.
The California-based biopharmaceutical company is most known for researching and developing antiviral drugs used to treat HIV/Aids, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, influenza and Covid-19.
The workshop, held at the Wyndham Grand Manama, covered a range of topics, including understanding negative societal perceptions around HIV, building trust with those living with the disease, integrating psychosocial support into treatment, and reinforcing ethical and legal responsibilities in HIV care.
Participants, including infectious disease specialists, public health experts and healthcare providers from across the kingdom, engaged in interactive discussions and practical training sessions designed to strengthen patient-centric communication and ensure better linkage to care for PWH.
Dr Al Salman speaking at the event
“Bahrain’s health authorities have achieved significant milestones in increasing awareness about HIV and such workshops are an extension of the kingdom’s vision and represent a critical step to ensure healthcare professionals are well-prepared to support people with HIV not only with medical care but also psychological support which I believe is of equal importance,” said infectious diseases senior consultant and Arabian Gulf University associate professor Dr Jameela Al Salman.
A highlight of the workshop was a commitment board, where participants documented their pledges to help break down the HIV stigma and create inclusive, respectful healthcare practices for patients in Bahrain.
“Across the region, healthcare professionals continue to face challenges when it comes to addressing HIV-related stigma and supporting people with HIV effectively,” said Gilead Sciences Middle East general manager Vitor Papao.
“By working alongside experts in Bahrain, we aim to exchange knowledge, share practical approaches and provide resources that can help improve patient experiences and outcomes across different healthcare settings.”
Over time, HIV develops into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (Aids) leading to the failure of the immune system and allowing life-threatening infections and cancers to thrive.
Aids may take 8-10 years to develop after HIV infection, and people living with HIV can live for years without any symptoms.
According to a 2023 report by UNAIDS, around 40 million people worldwide live with HIV.
The Middle East and North Africa region is estimated to have an estimated 210,000 patients.
The commitment board bearing the pledges
However, there has been a whopping 116 per cent increase in infections in the region between 2010 and 2023, compared to a 39pc fall globally in the same period.
Though there are no official numbers for Bahrain, according to limited data quoted in a study last year Bahrain recorded 237, 548 and 244 cases of HIV/Aids in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.
The study, entitled ‘Understanding the landscape of HIV/Aids in Bahrain: Prevalence, trends and public health implications’, also pointed out between 1986 and 1996, Bahrain identified a total of 378 HIV cases with 51pc of these cases found to be among foreign nationals.
It also quoted a study published in the International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries which said that intravenous drug abuse emerged as a predominant risk factor, accounting for 38.8pc of HIV cases among Bahrainis.
The research also highlighted that negative views toward HIV/Aids patients were common, with 60pc supporting patient isolation and 52.4pc seeing HIV as a divine punishment. However, 84.4pc believed religion played a role in limiting the spread of the disease.
Bahrain has strict laws to protect the rights of people with HIV.
The 2017 Aids Protection Law stipulates that those who discriminate against HIV patients could face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to BD500, while those who mistreat HIV patients would face the same jail term and fines of up to BD5,000.
Currently, HIV tests are carried on couples planning to get married, expatriates seeking employment and those arrested for drug and sex-related crimes.
The law further gives protection to Bahrainis who cannot lose their job if their HIV-positive status is made public.
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