DHAKA, Bangladesh - Every year, the number of AIDS cases among Rohingyas and locals in Cox's Bazar rises.

The virus has infected 115 Rohingyas and 10 Bangladeshis in the last year.

Dr. Ashiqur Rahman, HIV Focal Person at Cox's Bazar District Hospital, stated that the hospital's HIV screening program began in 2015, and 6,710 people had been diagnosed with HIV as of July 6, 2022.

HIV germs have also been found in transgender people, and this disease has killed 118 people, including 61 Rohingyas.

According to Ashiqur, twelve teams from various non-governmental organizations are working to raise awareness on the ground.

"There is a lot of ignorance and social prejudice increasing the spread of HIV," said Dr. Mahbubur Rahman of the same hospital. HIV-positive people are isolated from society for fear of contracting the virus from others. And those infected with this virus are hesitant to seek treatment."

He claims that because Rohingyas are roaming around hotels and motels, locals are becoming sexually involved with them, resulting in the spread of HIV.