HIV/AIDS in Bhutan

Last updated

HIV/AIDS in Bhutan remains a relatively rare disease among its population. It has, however, grown into an issue of national concern since Bhutan's first reported case in 1993. Despite preemptive education and counseling efforts, the number of reported HIV/AIDS cases has climbed since the early 1990s. This prompted increased government efforts to confront the spread of the disease through mainstreaming sexually transmitted disease (STD) and HIV prevention, grassroots education, and the personal involvement of the Bhutanese royal family in the person of Queen Mother Sangay Choden. [1]

Contents

Infection rates and patterns

In 2011, there were 246 reported cases of HIV in Bhutan, representing just over 0.03% of the population. [2] In July 2010, there were a total of 217 cases detected, however Health Ministry sources indicated actual numbers were estimated at more than 500 by UNAIDS. [3] Infection rates had remained modest though increasing, climbing from 185 reported cases, or 0.026% of the population, in early 2010. The Ministry of Health attributed climbing numbers to promiscuity, drug use, and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in neighbouring countries. [4] : 4  In 2010, almost 91% of HIV infections among Bhutanese were attributed to multiple partners and lack of condom use. [3] As of 2010, Bhutan had not implemented any needle and syringe programs. [1] : 19 

Persons living with HIV/AIDS in Bhutan include all social groups, including government employees, businessmen, farmers, soldiers, monks, sex workers and housewives. In 2010, housewives presented 61 of 217 known cases, while sex workers presented 10. [3] Persons between the ages of 15 and 29 accounted for half of those reportedly living with HIV/AIDS in 2010. In Bhutan, HIV/AIDS is detections come about primarily through contact tracing and routine medical checks. [3] Urban areas such as Thimphu, home to bars, karaoke, discos, and hotels, show the greatest propensity for the spread of HIV/AIDS. Kuensel estimated there were some 266 sex workers in Thimphu alone. [5]

Through 2010, 40 people died due to HIV/AIDS-related causes, and one committed suicide. [3] : 6 

Treatment

HIV/AIDS treatment and counseling are available exclusively under the Bhutanese universal health care system. [1] : 27  In 2010, 46 of the known 217 living with HIV/AIDS were receiving treatment. [3] Issues of treatment, counseling, and behavioral compliance among HIV-positive persons have become a matter of public debate. [6] Unlike most of its neighbors, Bhutan has never conducted any serological or behavioral surveillance of its at-risk populations. [1] : 35 

Persons living with HIV/AIDS in Bhutan carry a social stigma and often face discrimination, including disowning and unemployment, because it is a sexually-transmitted disease. [7] [8] [9] [10] Despite the prevalence of promiscuity in Bhutanese society, those infected often remain silent for fear discrimination in an otherwise conservative society. Both the government [3] [4] [11] and media in Bhutan [9] [12] have recognized the need to address social stigma, which hampers prevention, by educating and counseling the general population.

Lhak-sam, a non-governmental organization, was founded in Thimphu in 2009 by HIV-positive Bhutanese to further education and prevention of HIV/AIDS. A large number of its members are unemployed. [7] [13]

History

Although there were no reported cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) through the early 1990s, the Department of Public Health set up a public awareness program in 1987. With the encouragement of the WHO, a "reference laboratory" was established at the Thimphu General Hospital to test for AIDS and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a precautionary measure. To further enhance awareness, representatives of the National Institute of Family Health were sent to Bangladesh in 1990 for training in AIDS awareness and treatment measures. [14]

Bhutan's first HIV/AIDS case was detected in 1993. [3] [11] In 1999, Queen Mother Sangay Choden assumed the Bhutanese UNFPA ambassadorship, and has been Bhutan's most visible public education campaigner on HIV/AIDS. She has given numerous presentations at public gatherings, at schools and to dropouts, to the military, at monasteries, and in rural communities. The Queen is also responsible for Bhutan's observance of World AIDS Day. [1]

On 24 May 2004, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, promulgated the Royal Decree on HIV Prevention. In it, he called for citizens to participate in HIV prevention while respecting the rights of those living with HIV/AIDS. This was followed by another Royal Edict in 2004 on HIV/AIDS. Before ascending the throne, future Fifth Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck advocated abstinence by rejecting "undesirable activities" and demonstrate compassion to those living with the disease. [1]

See also

Related Research Articles

Thimphu Capital of Bhutan

Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan. It is situated in the western central part of Bhutan, and the surrounding valley is one of Bhutan's dzongkhags, the Thimphu District. The ancient capital city of Punakha was replaced as capital by Thimphu in 1955, and in 1961 Thimphu was declared as the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan by the 3rd Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Transport in Bhutan uses about 8,000 kilometres (5,000 mi) of roads and four airports, three of which are operational and interconnected. Paro Airport is the only airport which accommodates international flights. As part of Bhutan's infrastructure modernization programs, its road system has been under development since the 1960s. There are no railways and, since Bhutan is a landlocked country without major waterways, there are no ports.

Druk Air Flag aircraft carrier of Bhutan

Drukair Corporation Limited, operating as Drukair — Royal Bhutan Airlines, is the flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, headquartered in the western dzongkhag of Paro.

DashoLhendup Dorji was a member of the Dorji family of Bhutan. He was also the brother of the Queen of Bhutan, Ashi Kesang choden and uncle to the fourth king of Bhutan, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. He served as acting Lyonchen following the assassination of his brother, Lyonchen Jigme Palden Dorji, on April 5, 1964.

Jakar Thromde in Bumthang, Bhutan

Jakar is a town in the central-eastern region of Bhutan. It is the district capital of Bumthang District and the location of Jakar Dzong, the regional dzong fortress. The name Jakar roughly translates as "white bird" in reference to its foundation myth, according to which a roosting white bird signalled the proper and auspicious location to found a monastery around 1549.

LGBT rights in Bhutan Rights of LGBT people in Bhutan

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Bhutan face legal challenges not faced by non-LGBT people. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in Bhutan on 17 February 2021.

Women in Bhutan Overview of the status of women in Bhutan

Economic development in the country of Bhutan has increased opportunities for women to participate in fields such as medicine, teaching, and administration. Women were providing more labor than men in all sectors of the economy. Less than 4 percent of the total female work force was unemployed, compared with nearly 10 percent of men who had no occupation. In particular, nearly 10 percent of government employees were women by 1989. During their government careers, women civil servants were allowed three months of maternity leave with full pay for three deliveries and leave without pay for any additional deliveries.

Health in Bhutan is one of the government's highest priorities in its scheme of development and modernization. Health and related issues are overseen by the Ministry of Health, itself represented on the executive Lhengye Zhungtshog (cabinet) by the Minister of Health. As a component of Gross National Happiness, affordable and accessible health care is central to the public policy of Bhutan.

Sangay Choden Queen mother of Bhutan

Queen Mother Sangay Choden is one of the four wives and queens of Bhutanese king Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who ruled in Bhutan from 1972 until his abdication in 2006. She is the Queen Mother of Bhutan.

The Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan was enacted by the Parliament of Bhutan on 6 June 2010 and came into force on 16 June. It regulates tobacco and tobacco products, banning the cultivation, harvesting, production, and sale of tobacco and tobacco products in Bhutan. The act also mandates that the government of Bhutan provide counselling and treatment to facilitate tobacco cessation. Premised on the physical health and well being of the Bhutanese people – important elements of Gross National Happiness – the Tobacco Control Act recognizes the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke on both spiritual and social health.

Taxation in Bhutan is conducted by the national government and by its subsidiary local governments. All taxation is ultimately overseen by the Bhutan Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue and Customs, which is part of the executive Lhengye Zhungtshog (cabinet). The modern legal basis for taxation in Bhutan derives from legislation. Several acts provide for taxation and enforcement only germane to their subject matter and at various levels of government, while a smaller number provide more comprehensive substantive tax law. As a result, the tax scheme of Bhutan is highly decentralized.

Bhutan House

Bhutan House is an estate located in Kalimpong, West Bengal, India, owned by the Dorji family of Bhutan. The site is the traditional administrative Dzong for southern Bhutan, and also functioned as the administrative center for the whole of western Bhutan during the modern kingdom's early years of consolidation. It represented the relationship between Bhutan and British India, and is a modern symbol of Bhutan–India relations.

Jigme Namgyal (Bhutan)

Desi Jigme Namgyal of Bhutan is a forefather of the Wangchuck Dynasty. He served as 48th Druk Desi of Bhutan (1870–1873), and held the hereditary post of 10th Penlop of Trongsa. He was called the Black Ruler.

Wedding of Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema 2011 Bhutanese royal wedding

The wedding of Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan, and Jetsun Pema took place on 13 October 2011 at the Punakha Dzong in Punakha, Bhutan. The current King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, married Jetsun Pema, who became Queen Ashi Jetsun Pema Wangchuck. Both are descendants of the 48th Druk Desi of Bhutan and 10th Penlop of Trongsa, Jigme Namgyal.

Lakes of Bhutan

The lakes of Bhutan comprise its glacial lakes and its natural mountain lakes. Bhutanese territory contains some 2,674 high altitude glacial lakes and subsidiary lakes, out of which 25 pose a risk of GLOFs. There are also more than 59 natural non-glacial lakes in Bhutan, covering about 4,250 hectares (16.4 sq mi). Most are located above an altitude of 3,500 metres (11,500 ft), and most have no permanent human settlements nearby, though many are used for grazing yaks and may have scattered temporary settlements.

Environmental issues in Bhutan

There are a number of environmental issues in Bhutan. Among Bhutan's most pressing issues are traditional firewood collection, crop and flock protection, and waste disposal, as well as modern concerns such as industrial pollution, wildlife conservation, and climate change that threaten Bhutan's population and biodiversity. Land and water use have also become matters of environmental concern in both rural and urban settings. In addition to these general issues, others such as landfill availability and air and noise pollution are particularly prevalent in relatively urbanized and industrialized areas of Bhutan. In many cases, the least financially and politically empowered find themselves the most affected by environmental issues.

Energy in Bhutan

Energy in Bhutan has been a primary focus of development in the kingdom under its Five-Year Plans. In cooperation with India, Bhutan has undertaken several hydroelectric projects whose output is traded between the countries. Though Bhutan's many hydroelectric plants provide energy far in excess of its needs in the summer, dry winters and increased fuel demand makes the kingdom a marginal net importer of energy from India.

Motithang Higher Secondary School Government school in Bhutan

Motithang Higher Secondary School is a government high school in the capital city of Thimphu, Bhutan. It was established in the year 1975. Motithang translates to The Meadow of Pearls in English.

Queen Kesang Choden Queen Grandmother of Bhutan

Ashi Kesang Choden is the Queen Grandmother of Bhutan. She participates in royal duties of her own accord. She is the only queen grandmother in the world. In Bhutan she is called The Royal Grandmother.

COVID-19 pandemic in Bhutan Ongoing COVID-19 viral pandemic in Bhutan

The COVID-19 pandemic in Bhutan is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 HIV/AIDS in the South-East Asia Region: progress report 2010 (PDF) (Report). World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia. 2010. pp. 43–45. ISBN   978-92-9022-389-4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2011-11-21.
  2. ↑ "The Ministry of Health has Detected…". Bhutan Observer online. 2011-08-01. Archived from the original on 2011-10-28. Retrieved 2011-11-21.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "An Update on Human Immuno Deficiency Virus/Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS)" (PDF). Bhutan Ministry of Health. 2010-07-01. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-05-08. Retrieved 2011-11-22.
  4. 1 2 Annual Health Bulletin 2010 (PDF) (Report). Ministry of Health (Government of Bhutan). 2010. ISBN   978-99936-767-2-0. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2011-03-10.
  5. ↑ Pokhrel, Nirmala (2011-02-26). "Thimphu Survey Shows High Risk Sexual Conduct". Kuensel online. Retrieved 2011-11-21.[ permanent dead link ]
  6. ↑ Wangchuk, Sonam (2011-08-19). "Sex, Disease, and Criminality". Bhutan Observer online. Archived from the original on 2011-11-19. Retrieved 2011-11-21.
  7. 1 2 "Lhaksam ལྷག་བསམ། Bhutan Network of Positive People" . Retrieved 2011-11-21.
  8. ↑ Pelden, Sonam (2011-02-21). "A – The covert status of this support group NGO reflects the society it exists in". Kuensel online. Retrieved 2011-11-21.[ permanent dead link ]
  9. 1 2 Pelden, Sonam (2011-11-21). "To Come out of the Closet or Not?". Kuensel online. Retrieved 2011-11-21.[ permanent dead link ]
  10. ↑ Pelden, Sonam (2011-10-15). "No Law in Place to Protect Their Rights". Archived from the original on 2011-10-22. Retrieved 2011-11-21.
  11. 1 2 "History: National STI and HIV/AIDS" (PDF). Bhutan Ministry of Health. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-05-08. Retrieved 2011-11-21.
  12. ↑ "Editorial: Living with HIV/AIDS". Kuensel online. 2011-02-23. Retrieved 2011-11-21.[ permanent dead link ]
  13. ↑ Pelgen, Ugyen (2011-10-01). "IMS Builds Capacity for Lhaksam (HIV – NGO)". Bhutan Times online. Archived from the original on 2012-04-20. Retrieved 2011-11-21.
  14. ↑ PD-icon.svgThis article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .Robert L. Worden (September 1991). Andrea Matles Savada (ed.). Bhutan: A country study. Federal Research Division. Health.


This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.