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Six HIV Patients Die - UN Volunteer
The aids epidemic is taking a big toll on the lives of Gambians with Six HIV patients confirmed death within three weeks. 
Breaking the story to The Point, a United Nations Volunteer, Rose Clare Charles, said that the deaths were recorded while 
she was on holidays. " I went on leave and while I was away six people have already died. It is only like three weeks I was
away, two people from the Santayala group died and some others who do not belong to the group also died," said the 
coordinator of the society of Gambians living with HIV/AIDS better known as Santayala Group.

Rose Clare Charles described the situation as very alarming, adding that people need to put more focus on support and care 
for the people living with HIV. According to the UN Volunteer, "many HIV patients who died don't die from AIDS but they 
died because of neglect; they die because of lack of support; they die because of lack of care and fear of telling their 
relatives that they are infected with the virus." The AIDS epidemic was first discovered in the Gambia in 1986. Since then 
over 3000 Gambians were said to have died from the deadly virus. The fear of discrimination and stigmatisation have forced 
Gambian HIV patients to hide their status. 

Buts Rose Clair Charles told this paper that efforts are underway to address the issue. She said the Santayala group would be 
sensitising families of HIV patients about the pandemic. She added that those infected with the virus should be treated with 
love and care. This, she observed, would give hope and succour to them.

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