Bhutan

MDGs Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases

Target 7: Halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS ratio

The HIV/AIDS infection in Bhutan remains at a relatively low level. Crude projections based on various scenarios of the situation indicate that with adequate prevention controls in place, the HIV infection would peak by 2012 and subsequently be reversed. As the supportive policy framework and environment is extremely strong, it is reasonable to expect that this MDG target of halting and reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS can be achieved. The number of detected HIV positive cases in Bhutan has risen significantly from 38 in 2000 to 74 as of October 2005. The proportion of infection is almost equal in both sexes (39 males and 35 females). On the basis of available evidence, the HIV/ AIDS epidemic in the country appears to be in an early phase with an overall prevalence rate of about 0.01%.

Target 8: Halt and begin to reverse the spread of Malaria and Other Major Diseases

These two diseases remain major public health concerns for Bhutan. Rapid progress has been made in reducing the incidence of both diseases and the goals to halt and reverse their spread are potentially achievable.

The key strategies being employed to combat malaria are environmental management, prevention through use of bed nets, and early diagnosis and proper treatment along with information and communication to the public are. This strategy appears to be successful and the incidence of malaria has reduced from 3687 per 100,000 in 1991 to 366 per 100,000 in 2004. This trend shows that the incidence of malaria has been reversed and the goal of halting it is potentially achievable.