Aweil state records HIV/AIDS cases among street children

Two HIV/AIDS cases were recorded among street children in South Sudan’s Aweil state, a senior health official said.

Two HIV/AIDS cases were recorded among street children in South Sudan’s Aweil state, a senior health official said.

Aweil hospital director, Dr. Aleu Pioth Akol told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that over 80 street children tested for the disease and two of them were found to be positive.

He further said the hospital in collaboration with Mother and Child Care Organization launched the campaign last week and is still ongoing.

Akol noted that the state government is working to ensure the AIDS virus is eradicated among street children.

Most of the AIDS cases globally are in poorer countries, where access to testing, prevention and treatment is limited.  South Sudan has limited published data on HIV prevalence. HIV prevalence in the country is estimated at 3%, with approximately 150,000 to 200,000 South Sudanese living with HIV/AIDS.