Sudan is bordered by seven countries in which HIV/AIDS is highly prevalent, therefore Sudan is susceptible to an increase in HIV/AIDS prevalence. In 1986, the first case of HIV and AIDS in Sudan was reported.[1] Sudan's HIV epidemiological situation is currently classified as a low epidemic, as of July 2011.[2]
The main mode of transmission worldwide is through heterosexual contact, which is no different in Sudan.[1] In Sudan, heterosexual transmission accounted for 97% of HIV positive cases.
As of January 5, 2011, the adult (15–49) prevalence in Sudan was found to be 0.4%, an estimated 260,000 were living with HIV and there were 12,000 HIV related annual deaths.[3] A population based study was conducted in 2002 which estimated the sero-prevalence to be 1.6%. According to recent studies, the HIV and AIDS prevalence in Sudan among blood donors has increased from 0.15% in 1993 to 1.4% in 2000.[1] Sudan is considered to be a country with an intermediate HIV and AIDS prevalence[1] by the World Health Organization (WHO).[4]
HIV/AIDS estimates as of 2014:[5]
| HIV prevalence | 53,000 [41,000–69,000] |
| Ages 15–49 prevalence rates | 0.2% [0.2–0.3%] |
| Ages 15 and above living with HIV | 49,000 [38,000–63,000] |
| Women aged 15 and above living with HIV | 23,000 [18,000–29,000] |
| Ages 0–14 living with HIV | 4,300 [3,600–5,200] |
| AIDS related deaths | 2,900 [2,200–4,200] |
HIV/AIDS related-services have been introduced in all the states of Sudan. Free services have been provided across the country, which have significantly improved the life of people living with HIV.[2]
As recently as 1998, the Sudanese government denied that HIV/AIDS posed any significant health threat to its citizenry.[6] Only in 2004 did the government reverse its policy and officially begin planning to address the problem.[6] As of 2007, both Northern and Southern governments were developing policies to curb future cases and to treat those already infected.[6] The minister of health in the North noted problems with the use of condoms as a preventive measure, and religious leaders were reluctant to discuss prevention methods beyond abstinence and monogamous marriage.[6] Not surprisingly, citizens' knowledge about HIV/AIDS is limited.[6]
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. Though published in 2015, this work covers events in the whole of Sudan (including present-day South Sudan) until the 2011 secession of South Sudan.{{cite encyclopedia}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
