HIV/AIDS in Albania: Alarm Raised by Dr. Arjan Harxhi over Rising Cases in Children

 Dr. Arjan Harxhi, a prominent medical professional, has sounded the alarm regarding the detection of four new cases of HIV/AIDS in children in Albania, describing the situation as “alarming.” Speaking on the program Dita Jonë, he emphasized that HIV transmission from mother to child during pregnancy is entirely preventable if the mother is diagnosed early. However, the lack of adequate testing for pregnant women remains a critical issue.

 Dr. Arjan Harxhi while talking to the media from his office

“Four cases among children is an alarming figure,” Dr. Harxhi stated. “We should have zero cases in children because this infection is 100% preventable if the mother is tested during pregnancy. This situation arises from the failure to implement testing protocols effectively. This year, out of 20,000 births, we tested only 7,000 women. One in three infected mothers transmits the virus to their child, resulting in severe health problems for the newborn.”

Rising Numbers and Stigmatization

Dr. Harxhi also shed light on the broader epidemiological trends in Albania, revealing that of the 119 confirmed HIV/AIDS cases this year, 80 are men. He suggested that while the majority of cases are reported as stemming from heterosexual relationships, underlying bisexual or homosexual behavior often goes unreported due to stigma.

“Three-quarters of cases this year are male. Although the official reports attribute most transmissions to heterosexual relationships, we believe that bisexual relationships remain underreported due to the stigma surrounding sexual orientation. This makes it difficult to address the issue effectively,” he explained.

He noted that casual sexual behaviors and having multiple partners significantly increase the risk of transmission. Additionally, younger individuals, often engaging in discreet encounters through social media, remain a challenging group to reach for public health interventions.

The Need for Early Diagnosis and Active Testing

Dr. Harxhi stressed the importance of early and active testing as the cornerstone of HIV/AIDS prevention. "The trend of rising cases is concerning, and while our data comes from reported cases, more accurate statistics based on clinical studies are essential to assess risks properly. Incidence, prevalence, and identifying at-risk groups are critical factors for effective prevention."

He further pointed out that late-stage diagnosis remains a widespread issue, not just in Albania, but globally. “The key to combating HIV/AIDS is proactive diagnosis. Early testing can prevent transmission and improve outcomes. Without changing human behavior, early diagnosis is the most effective tool science offers for managing this infection,” he concluded.

A Call for Comprehensive Action

Dr. Harxhi’s statements underscore the urgent need for improved testing protocols for pregnant women and broader public health initiatives to address the rising cases of HIV/AIDS in Albania. Reducing stigma, promoting sexual health education, and investing in research are vital steps to curb the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations.