Three infection cases everyday
SHILLONG: The rise of HIV cases in the state is alarming as an official revealed that three persons per day are found to be infected with HIV.
Speaking to a section of the press, Project Director, Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS), Shemphang Lyngdoh expressed concern on the situation and said, “HIV cases are increasing day by day. It is found that three persons per day were tested positive”.
He said that most of the cases were found in pregnant women. Authorities concerned would ask their respective spouses to make necessary tests which they refused. However, of late, husbands have started to come out which Lyngdoh termed as a good sign.
He informed that Jaintia Hills has been placed as high burden district in HIV prevalence. When asked, he said that the spread of HIV in majority cases is through casual sex.
He further said that the rise of HIV is alarming as it has spread to the general population and not only among sex workers.
Lyngdoh said that the cumulative registered at ART centre till December 2019 is 4637 and number of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and on ART is 2775.
However, concerns were raised of PLHIV Lost to Follow-up. The PLHIV feel the pressure of discrimination in the society and get cocooned in self-stigmatization. The biggest fear that not only MACS is trying to combat but the society as a whole is to prevent the spread of the virus by PHLIV.
“There is fear of discrimination, stigmatization and they (PLHIV) think of themselves as outcasts”, Lyngdoh said adding the PLHIV in course of their lifestyle spread the virus to other persons.
It is not an easy task for the authorities concerned to track down the PLHIV who often go into hiding. Lyngdoh said that the PLHIV are to be sensitised about HIV treatment and advised them to be on Anti-Retroviral therapy (ART). There are four ART centers in the state – Jowai, Shillong Civil Hospital, Tura and NEIGRIHMS.
Lyngdoh stated that discussions on stigma and discrimination should be discussed in the society and faith-based organisations.
