394 new HIV cases reported in 8 months

Kuldeep Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, December 1

Even as the prevalence rate of HIV infection has dropped from 3.3 per cent to .5 per cent in the past 14 years, the state Health Department faces a major challenge as the state has reported 394 fresh HIV positive cases in the past eight months.

There are over 350 children living with AIDS in the state. These orphans face discrimination in the society. The government claims that it is giving Rs 300 assistance and free education to these children.

The 45 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centers (ICTCs) have reported 394 HIV positive cases in the state from January to September this year. Of these, 15 HIV positive were pregnant women.

“As many as 1,16,443 persons were screened between January and September. Kangra topped the tally with 158 fresh cases (six pregnant women),” said Dr Anjali Chauhan, programme officer of the state AIDS Control society. “Between January and September, 56 HIV positive cases have been reported in Shimla (IGMC), 52 in Una (four pregnant women), 51 in Hamirpur, 36 in Solan, 20 in Mandi (two pregnant women), 16 in Bilaspur , 10 in Kullu, five in Chamba and none in Sirmaur, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts, she said.

The state has reported 7,629 cases of HIV/AIDS so far, with Kangra and Hamirpur topping the list (see chart).

“We have covered all high risk groups by roping the services of 32 NGOs which are increasing awareness among sex workers, truck drivers, migrant labourers, IDUs and children,” said Dr Anjali.

The health department has launched 10 more Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) centres covering the high risk groups among truck drivers, sex workers, migrant labourers, intravenous drug users in 10 districts,” said Dr DS Gurung, Project Director, state AIDS Control Society.

The department has set up more integrated testing centres to cover pregnant women in the uncovered places in the state. “The tests are important for HIV surveillance as we can prevent the deadly virus among newborns,” Dr Gurung said.