Twenty-two people in the country are receiving treatment for AIDS, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
AIDS is a disease caused by HIV. HIV was first detected in Maldives in 1991.
According to the statistics released by the HPA on World AIDS Day, 40 people have been infected with the disease in Maldives as of last year. They include six women and 34 men.
Of these, 15 have now died and 22 are currently undergoing treatment, the report said. However, the report did not say what happened to the remaining three people.
An antiretroviral treatment is given for HIV. The treatment has been available in Maldives since 2004. This is a completely free treatment. Pre-exposure prophylaxis treatment is also available in the Maldives.
The theme of this year's AIDS Day is "Let Communities Lead."
The HPA said the slogan aims to encourage the public to take the initiative in the treatment of AIDS and the provision of services and provide support to people living with the disease.
HPA, Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital, Kulhudhuffushi City Council, Society for Health Education, Mission for Migrants Maldives, Vibe Youth and Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital have jointly organized various activitiesin Haa Dhaal atoll in connection with World AIDS Day.
