The Turkish Health Ministry has released a statement to address and clarify recent misleading reports concerning the death of a 13-year-old boy, A.K., who was recently hospitalized in Izmir with suspected osteoporosis due to HIV/AIDS.

In their statement, the Ministry emphasized that A.K. had not received any blood transfusions prior to his diagnosis, eliminating concerns of transmission through such means. Additionally, comprehensive psychiatric evaluations have found no evidence of abuse.

The Ministry has assured the public that the matter has been transferred to the judiciary and is under active investigation. They urged the public to disregard unverified information and speculations being circulated in the media, ensuring that all developments will be communicated by the relevant authorities in due course.

“It has become necessary to inform the public about the allegations reflected in the press regarding our 13-year-old patient named A.K. who died due to the HIV virus. Due to the operations he had undergone, it was reached that he did not receive a blood transfusion before the diagnosis was made, and no evidence of abuse was found as a result of psychiatric evaluations. The process has been transferred to the judiciary and is an ongoing investigation. We remind that statements that mislead the public should not be taken into consideration. The issue is being followed sensitively and necessary explanations regarding the developments will be shared by the relevant authorities,” the Ministry's statement read.

The Ministry concluded their statement by stressing the importance of accurate reporting and the potential harm of misinformation in sensitive cases such as this.

This incident continues to highlight the importance of accurate health information and the need for careful communication in public health matters. (ILKHA)