Shimla
Due to an injection of intoxication, the number of HIV cases in HP is increasing. The information came from a survey done by the health department.
Rajiv Kumar, Project Director of Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, said that at present 5,870 people are suffering from HIV in the state. Since 1998, 304 children have tested positive for HIV in the state. However, all the patients are being closely monitored by the health department.
Rajiv Kumar presided over an information programme on HIV / AIDS organised by Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society at Hotel Holiday Home on Friday. State Programme Officer Dr. Lalit Thakur said that syringe intoxication is one of the main causes of HIV. He said that a survey conducted in Himachal Pradesh in 2023-24 revealed that 5 to 10 percent of youth are coming in contact with HIV through intra-drug use. This includes students. The survey was conducted among people aged 15-49 years.
The identity of the patients is confidential; the facilities are provided in Shimla. Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society is paying more attention to youth and women.Last year, about five and a half lakh tests were conducted. The program also informed that an amount of Rs 1500 per month is also given to the HIV positive patient under the government scheme. Free bus passes and nutrition kits are also provided. He said the details of those who tested positive will be kept confidential. If anyone makes it public, action can be taken against them under penalty as well as other stringent provisions.
State Program Officer Dr. Lalit Thakur said that 425 cases have been reported till September this year as compared to last year. A total of 376 persons are under treatment. Their tests are being conducted from time to time. He said that the aim of the Health Department is to eradicate this disease by 2030.
