Shillong: The steep rise in the number of HIV+ people in the state has invited sharp reaction from a cross-section of the society who felt that this problem should be addressed by family members at the domestic level and the government at the state level.
As per the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) register, 478 HIV+ people were detected in the state so far while the number was just 151 in 2010. Though there has been a sharp rise in the number of HIV+ cases in Meghalaya the number is still less as compared to other states of the country and in the region.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Chairperson of the Impulse NGO, Hasina Kharbhih said the increase in numbers is due to an increased awareness among the vulnerable section. She informed that before the coming of the HIV+ network group to the state, the number remained very low but once the Group offered peer support there is less denial about being HIV+, she said. “Increased awareness about HIV and AIDS has brought about a behavioral change in those affected and in the attitude of their family members. Now people are no longer alarmed about being tested for sero-positivity,” Kharbhih added.
She further said that increase in trafficking and drug abuse among youth is also the reason behind the increase in the number of HIV+ cases. She said that sex education needs to be promoted in schools and colleges around the state.
Citing the other reasons for the rise in the number of HIV+ cases a physician said as per the survey conducted by them along the National Highway, it was found out that truck drivers are more prone to this affliction due to activities like prostitution, drugs and alcohol etc. “But to be specific about the reasons for the rise of HIV+ cases is difficult,” the physician said.
Meanwhile, one parent told The Shillong Times that peer pressure can also lead to the higher incidence of HIV. Youth take drugs because their friends take them. However, when asked about the effect of TV or internet, she said that to some extent these can also be blamed as they provide easy access to undesirable programmes. People should know the benefits of safe sex and abstain drugs and prostitution”, she added.
A young man said that society today is too westernized and mingling among the sexes has become too liberal. “The big question is how to overcome all this. I feel the youth should know all about safe sex,” he added.
Meanwhile, Principal of Loreto Convent School, Catherine Nongrum said people tend to follow the lifestyles of others blindly, imitating the liberal western way of life without understanding that it is a dangerous counter culture.
She also mentioned that people who contacted HIV are afraid of going for check up due to fear of stigma. In turn they spread the disease to others. She said the reason leading to the rise in the number of HIV+ cases because of lack of parental monitoring of internet use which leads to all sorts of criminal behaviour.
The government should organise more public programmes and NGOs should join hands and organise drama and street plays to spread awareness about HIV and AIDS, Ms Nongrum observed.
Meanwhile, Commissioner and Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, DP Wahlang asserted that as far the number of HIV+ cases is a cause for concern, Meghalaya is still quite low when compared to other states of the country. This has been achieved through the number of health centres and testing centres in and around the state. However, Chairman of Ka Dorbar Jong ki Khlieh Nongsynshar ka Ri Hynniewtrep, JFK Kharshiing said the increase in HIV+ cases is due to sexual transmission and blood transfusion. But he said the statistics is inaccurate and it is possible that more people are affected but are in denial due to fear of rejection. Lack of knowledge and awareness in the rural area is also another major issue that needs to be addressed, he observed.
“It is alarming to know of the increase in the number of HIV+ cases even though the government has already set up enough counseling centres, testing centres etc around the state”, added Kharshiing. He said the government should create more testing and health centres to tackle this problem. The government along with the Meghalaya Aids Control Society should analyze the problem district- wise in order to tackle this problem.