SHILLONG: As the state braces to observe World AIDS Day, the approach towards HIV-AIDS has changed even as figures of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) have jumped which can be attributed to different factors.
The authorities at Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) have stressed that “Knowledge is important and everyone should get themselves tested.”
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Project Director of MACS, Shemphang Diengdoh said a 10 per cent increase in HIV infection is detected every year, as per National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) report.
The factors contributing to the 10 per cent increase is manifold which includes the rise of female sex workers, injecting drug users, increase in population, a jump in cases of Lost to Follow Up (LFU), increasing awareness programmes, the rise of testing sites, mobile Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs), reduction in self-stigmatisation, men who have sex with men (MSM) are also considered high risk, poverty besides host of other factors.
He revealed that stigmatisation and self-stigmatisation has reduced to a certain extent wherein people are coming forward and not shy away from getting tested.
Awareness programmes conducted in rural areas have witnessed a good response from the people regarding HIV-AIDS, moreover, testing sites are located in every health centers. Diengdoh also mooted for community testing.
Over the years, with the change in mindset towards HIV-AIDS, people are coming out to report the cases which resulted in 10 per cent increase. They do not hesitate to enter ICTCs to check and know their status.
Diengdoh said, “The level of awareness has increased and people are sensitized about the matter. They do not hesitate to get themselves tested to know their status.”
MACS also intend to collaborate with headmen through the Block Development Officers (BDOs) and MACS is optimistic that the spread of HIV-AIDS is brought under control.
) One of the advantages of testing is that it is free of cost. But it all depends on individuals if they choose private over government institutions to do so. Children below 18 years have to be accompanied by their parents and guardians in case of orphans to get themselves tested.
People sometimes do not go back to Antiretroviral therapy (ART) after experiencing reactions, which also contributes to the increase in cases. “They still feel they are healthy and they keep spreading the virus. Adherence to ART is very important,” he said.
Figures
Meghalaya comes in third position with the top first and second rank occupied by Mizoram and Nagaland respectively under HIV prevalence in Ante Natal Check-up (ANC) sites in India in 2017.
HIV prevalence among Female Sex workers (FSW) in India showed Meghalaya occupying the second rank next to Mizoram.
Cumulative number of PLHIV registered at ART centers are 3748 (1778-males, 1789-females, transgender-1, whereas 85 boys and 95 girls are also under this category)
Cumulative number of PLHIV Lost to Follow Up is 854 (430-males, 399-females, transgender-1, and the children affected are 13 boys and 11 girls)
Cumulative number of reported deaths is 547 (326-males, 200-females, 14 boys and 7 girls)
Cumulative number of PLHIV alive and on treatment is 2200 (944-males, 1126-females, 54 boys and 76 girls)
