Clinical, social and ethical aspects of HIV-1 infections in an Arab Gulf State

Clinical, social and ethical aspects of HIV-1 infection as occurring in the Arab Gulf State of Qatar are presented. Up until November 1989, 50 patients were reported with HIV infection. In more than 75% of cases, the disease was acquired via transfusion of imported blood; 52% have developed AIDS and 65% of these have died. In response to the problem, the Ministry of Health has established a National AIDS Committee whose major function has been to educate both the medical profession and lay public about the disease and on ways to prevent its spread. Furthermore, the Committee has also taken on the role of patient advocate and has been instrumental in resolving many HIV-related difficulties in the community at large. Specialized HIV clinics have also been set up, with both Qatari and expatriate patients being enrolled in treatment programmes. No expatriate patient has been deported due to infection with HIV. Although many social and ethical issues remain unresolved, it appears that a rational and humane public health policy has been adopted in Qatar with respect to the AIDS threat.