Ulan Bator, Dec 1 (NationPress) Currently, 424 individuals living with HIV and AIDS are residing in Mongolia, as reported by the National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) on Monday.

In the first 11 months of 2025, there have been 36 new cases of HIV documented, according to a statement from NCCD in recognition of World AIDS Day, celebrated annually on December 1.

The predominant demographic of those infected with HIV are individuals aged between 20 and 44. Notably, approximately 99.7 percent of infections were attributed to sexual transmission.

The first documented case of HIV in Mongolia was in 1992, and since that time, 71 individuals have succumbed to AIDS in a country with a population of 3.5 million, as reported by Xinhua.

As per the World Health Organization, HIV is a virus that compromises the body's immune system, leading to AIDS at its most advanced stage.

HIV specifically targets the body's white blood cells, diminishing the immune response, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses such as tuberculosis, infections, and certain cancers.

The virus is transmitted through the body fluids of an infected person, including blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids. It is crucial to note that it cannot be transmitted through casual contact like kissing, hugging, or sharing meals. Transmission can also occur from a mother to her child.

Prevention and treatment of HIV are achievable through antiretroviral therapy (ART). If left untreated, HIV can evolve into AIDS over many years.

During the initial months post-infection, HIV is more easily transmitted, yet many remain unaware of their status until later stages. Initial symptoms may include flu-like conditions such as fever, headache, rash, and sore throat.

HIV can be transferred through the exchange of bodily fluids from infected individuals. Importantly, everyday interactions such as kissing, hugging, or sharing personal items do not transmit the virus.