Dehradun: Cases of HIV infection are increasing continuously in Uttarakhand. Along with the capital Dehradun, the situation remains worrisome in districts like Haridwar, Nainital and Udham Singh Nagar. However, the infection rate has remained stable in the last four years.
Dehradun is the most affected
Out of the total 4,556 HIV infected people found in the state in the last four years, 36 percent i.e. 1,656 cases have been found in Dehradun alone. After this, 968 cases have been registered in Nainital. Cases of infection are also very high in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar.
More danger in the plains
A total of 90 percent HIV infected people have been found in the four plain districts of the state, which shows that these areas are most vulnerable in terms of infection.
Treatment and awareness campaign
There are 12 ART centers for HIV infected people in the state where 7,574 patients are being given free medicines. However, no permanent cure for AIDS has been found yet.
The health department keeps making people aware of the dangers of HIV by conducting awareness campaigns from time to time.
Steps being taken
- Targeted intervention project: Programmes are being run through 37 NGOs to create awareness among high-risk groups such as female sex workers, drug users, homosexuals and truck drivers.
- OST Centres: 8 OST centres are being operated to reduce the risk of infection among those who inject drugs.
- Safety clinics: 29 clinics have been set up for the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
Matter of concern
Though the state government is making several efforts to prevent the infection, the rising number of cases has raised concerns. The situation is grim, especially in the plains.
Way forward
There is a need to conduct extensive awareness campaigns to prevent HIV infection. Also, more efforts should be made to increase access to high-risk groups.
