Over 1500 and counting
SHILLONG: Over 1500 HIV cases have been reported in Meghalaya so far. The number shocked Urban and Municipal Affairs Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh who was present in a programme held here on Tuesday to mark the World Aids Day.
The data provided by the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) showed the cumulative number of HIV Cases in Meghalaya in the year 2014-15 as 1541.
The cumulative number of persons who were ill and under anti-retroviral treatment during the same period is 588.
Though Meghalaya has low prevalence when it comes to HIV-AIDS as compared to other states, it is still considered vulnerable even as all districts of the State fall under “C” category, that is, less than 1% Anti-Natal Clinic (ANC) prevalence in all sites in the last three years with less than 5% in all high risk group surveillance sites, with known hot spots (migrants, truckers, and large aggregation of factory workers, tourists etc.).
Earlier, at the official level function, Lyngdoh expressed concern over the surging trend of the HIV graph in the state.
Associating HIV-AIDs as a fall out of drug abuse, the Minister urged the parents and elders to frequently communicate with their wards to make them aware of the hazards of drugs.
According to MACS, counseling and testing services are an important component of prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. It also informed that People Living with HIV (PLHIV) are being provided with psychosocial support and linked to treatment and care through Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) and Meghalaya was among the few states in India which started targeted intervention programme at a later stage.
It may be mentioned that Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) is termed as a co-factor for the transmission of HIV infection. Reduction in transmission of STD has a considerable impact on the reduction of HIV/AIDS. The control in transmission of STDs has a considerable impact on HIV/AIDS.
MACS informed that the STD/Suraksha clinics at the seven district hospitals managed by the health department are being strengthened through the supply of medicines and consumables which is as per NACO guidelines.
“Till date, MACS has ensured availability of medicines and consumables to all eight STD clinics in the seven districts of the state in quantity, quality and in time.”
It may be mentioned that the only existing Anti-Retroviral Treatment Centre in Meghalaya is located at Civil Hospital, Shillong. It became fully functional in November 2006 and to improve access, three Link ART Centres (LAC) have been set up at Tura, Jowai and Nongstoin civil hospitals respectively.
Meanwhile, various programmes and activities aimed at raising awareness about HIV/AIDS were organised by the MACS at U Soso Tham Auditorium to mark the World Aids Day.
The function also saw certain individuals, NGOs and institutions being felicitated as a mark of salutation to their indomitable spirit at taking commendable strides towards sensitizing people about HIV-AIDS and rehabilitating victims through counselling and medication.
This year’s commemoration was marked by the State Level Event on HIV and AIDS featuring the 5K Braking AIDS run, launching of the youth festival, blood donation camps, and also performances by local bands.
It may be mentioned that every year, the World AIDS Day is observed globally on December 1, with the first ever commemoration held in 1988 to spread awareness about the status of the pandemic and to highlight progress on its prevention, treatment and care in highly prevalent countries and around the world.
It is also noteworthy to state that although with 0.13 % HIV prevalence, which is lesser than the national average of 0.35%, Meghalaya surely needs introspection and address the issue so as to ensure a positive fight against HIV/AIDS in future.