Libya's other humanitarian problem

 By Mohammad Shakir

Libya has been subject to a widespread humanitarian crisis during the recent months. There has been a bigger problem over the last couple of decades which has been swept under the carpet and the real issues ignored by the authorities – HIV/AIDS.

During the 1990’s authorities in Libya claimed that the country’s HIV was a result of foreign medical workers deliberately infecting Libyans with the virus. HIV is a particular problem in Benghazi where nearly 400 children were infected in the 90’s. At the latest count 62 of them have died.

The current humanitarian crisis has brought positives and negatives. It has made citizens more open and accepting of HIV, but has created a shortage of medical supplies due to conflict.

Despite the strong stigma in the religious society in the country, families are moving on and living with their lives. Facilities have become cleaner and better equipped to help people living with HIV lead a relatively normal life.

Let’s see what the future brings.