National Institution for Human Rights – Kingdom of Bahrain HIV and chronic diseases, the information on which are dated back to 2007, and the conditions of occupational safety in the Kingdom of Bahrain, for which the response was inadequate. 15. Regarding HIV cases, the Ministry indicated that the recorded cases since 1986 to August 2013 are estimated at 429 cases, and that the number of death cases since the time the disease was recorded is 204 cases out of the total cases, i.e. (47.6%). The Ministry pointed out that the disease is transmitted to the Kingdom of Bahrain through drug addicts (57%), forbidden sexual relations (33.9%), and from infected mothers to infants (2.2%). It indicated that the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain has cooperated with international health organizations, GCC countries, and regional bodies in various fields in order to fight the disease and ensure the availability of high quality medicines, and laboratory diagnosis materials which are necessary for the disease detection. Collaboration also covers observing the norms and standards in order to improve prevention of the disease infection, diagnosis, and treatment services. 16. As regards the most common diseases, the Ministry of Health has reported the results of an outdated national survey, which dates back to 2007. The survey shows the most prominent common diseases and the prevalence rate of these diseases. In this regard, NIHR seeks to be provided with updated information to identify the state and prevalence of these diseases in 2012 - 2013 in order to prepare an assessment of state of the right to health, and the efforts made in controlling and reducing these diseases. 17. Regarding the rate of occupational health in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Ministry of Health prepared a report that also contains outdated information, some of which dates back to 2003. As a result, it is not possible to identify the situation of the right to occupational health, and the ability to assess the Government’s efforts in this regard. 18. In its follow-up of the reality of the right to health, NIHR observed that in 2013, there were a number of deaths as a result of alleged medical errors. NIHR was most concerned about the successive occurrence of these cases during a short period of time. While NIHR appreciates the investigations conducted by the Ministry and taking legal action against the perpetrators, however, the occurrence and repetition of these errors demonstrate that there is a vacuum in the effective monitoring of health services provided or the quality thereof, and lack of experience, competence, training and performance development. This requires quick and effective action to prevent the aggravation of this condition. 19. Regarding genetic blood diseases, particularly sickle-cell disease (SCD), the Ministry of Health, as reported in the local media and social network sites, has reported that the number of SCD patients is five hundred patients, while the information circulated in the same context indicates a much higher number. NIHR believes that regardless of the exact number of the diseases cases, the increasing number of mortalities raises concerns. The number of deaths of persons with SDC during 2013 is estimated at 32 cases, according to the local media and social networks, which is an average of two cases per month. 20. Through the various media outlets and social networks, NIHR observed some of the challenges faced by patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). These challenges consist of lack of access to accurate diagnosis of the disease by the medical staff in the Ministry of Health, shortage, unavailability, or delays in obtaining medicines, lack of supporting equipment and machines, difficulties in getting early medical appointments, or appointments for physical therapy or radiation, and lack of a 93