1 TRANSLATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS AND ... - APFA News

effective treatment or vaccine, and it is unlikely that there would be any in the
near future.
The Minister pointed out that more people have died from this disease than in
the World Wars. Health review and monitoring officials forecast that by 2010,
about 100 million people would be infected by the HIV virus. Judging by the
50% increase in the HIV/AIDS cases in the past year, the disease is a very real
threat to the country and Bhutan’s population of 0.6 million could easily be
wiped off if serious preventive measures are not taken. The Health Department
makes frequent announcements through the radio, television and print media to
increase awareness. Furthermore, as the Assembly members are well aware, Her
Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck has played an instrumental role in
creating HIV/AIDS consciousness and awareness in the country since Her
Majesty took on the responsibility as UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador. It is
important that all Bhutanese adopt preventive measures being promoted by the
Health Department and above all, fidelity and sexual prudence should be
observed and casual promiscuity avoided. Even otherwise, condoms which are
easily accessible help prevent infection.
The Health and Education Secretary informed the Assembly that the national
HIV prevention programme was initiated in the country since 1988. He pointed
out that the most effective way to prevent infection by the HIV virus is to use
condoms during sexual interaction and be faithful to one’s partners. Although
the disease is a deadly one, prevention is easy and both men and women have to
adopt preventive measures. Further, blood tests should be taken regularly and in
line with international law and norm, the Health Department would keep the
identity of infected persons confidential.
A Royal Advisory Councillor, and the Chimis of Chukha and Paro said it was
most likely that civil servants and businesspersons who travel outside the
country are responsible for bringing HIV/AIDS infection into the country. As a
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