Kohima: The study titled ‘Assessment of HIV/AIDS Sero Positivity in Nagaland’ states that the prevalence of infection among Intravenous Drug Use (IDU) has been a cause of major concern, as the increasing cases of HIV/AIDS in Nagaland are particularly based on IDU and unsafe sex, informs a study published in the International Research Journal of Medical Science.
The study further noted that instances of HIV cases has been gradually increasing among ‘vulnerable’ population groups, including women, young people, high risk groups and bridge populations.
It added that young people within the age group of 20 to 29 are contributing the highest number of HIV/AIDS patients in Nagaland state. In this age bracket, the report informed that the highest mode of transmission is through the sexual route.
It further stated that the incidence of HIV/AIDS infection among STD clinic attendees and ante natal (transmission from mother to child) cases in ‘rural’ Nagaland have also been increasing, thereby posing a major challenge for health managers.
It said that rising numbers of pregnant women, ‘whose sexual behavior is not believed to be risky,’ are testing to be HIV positive.
While the study showed a decrease in the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate among IDUs, it however noted that this mode of transmission still remains the principle driver of the infection in Nagaland. (UNI)