Police in the southern Asir region have launched an investigation to identify foreign women who allegedly transmitted HIV to two young Saudi men through sexual relations.
The cases of the two men, aged 17 and 23, were discovered when health officials confirmed that the two had contracted the virus and were HIV-positive, sabq.org reported.
The pair admitted that they had unprotected sex with female Arab beggars near a public park in the city of Abha, the capital of the province.
Dr. Sana Flimban, director of AIDS cases at the Health Ministry, said the ministry had received information about the two HIV cases from the Health Affairs Department in Asir.
“We have learned that the two Saudis had sexual intercourse with an Arab woman for about three months,” Flimban said. “They have taken to a specialized center for further check-up.”
The cases sparked all-out alarm to identify and arrest women who were having illicit sexual relations in the area, placing special emphasis on female beggars. Several warnings had been issued by local authorities about the dangers of the disease and the serious threats it could pose to the population, Sabq said.
In their comments, bloggers called for raising awareness among young men about the dangers of illicit sexual relations and warning them against engaging in such acts.
“Young men should be really cautious,” Abu Basel, a blogger, wrote. “Simple fleeting minutes could change their lives forever and cause them and their families great suffering and pain. They should uphold religious values and abstain from engaging in such activity.”
Al Gannas, also a blogger, said that he had often seen women beggars in the city’s restaurant area and that raids to crack down on those involved in the shady business should be conducted there.
However, another blogger said that the priority should be to take action against the men, not the women.
“Young men must be held accountable and not female beggars who are living in difficult circumstances,” another blogger said.
“God knows how much they are suffering and how some people are exploiting their vulnerability,” he added.
AIDS cases in Asir stir concern
