States show increased HIV cases: report

Guwahati: New HIV infections have been reported in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram in 2017, despite a general decline in HIV infection in the country, according to a report by the National AIDS Control Organization (Naco).

All three states reported an increase in new HIV infections, according to recent information sheets released by the ICMR's India Council Estimates 2017.

The report indicates that Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram have a high rate of new annual trend states of HIV infection (between 2010 and 2017), each having recorded an increase of 37%, 10% and 18%. % respectively. Women constituted a significant proportion both in terms of AIDS-related deaths and new HIV infections.

Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland were considered states where the prevalence of HIV among adults (15-49 years) was higher than the national average. Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland each yielded 2.04%, 1.43% and 1.15% respectively.

"The increase is mainly due to the fact that more people are coming forward for screening and testing.We work on the UNAIDS mission of 90-90-90.I get about 15 to 20 calls per HIV testing and how it's a good sign that people come forward to find out about their HIV status, "said SI Ahmed, a London-based HIV / AIDS specialist from the AIDS Prevention Society. pioneers in India to study HIV / AIDS.

Assam reported 1,387 new HIV infections in 2017, a staggering 37% increase, or 41% of new HIV infections among women.

The state said 266 AIDS-related deaths in 2017, an increase of 26%, women accounting for 38%.

"Assam is a gateway to the northeast, it is a melting point of migrant workers with truckers.There is a mobility factor where people come out of the state or districts or north-east to work. "said Sanjib Chakraborty, technical support, Naco.

The state of Meghalaya has reported 191 new HIV infections in 2017, with a 10% and 42% increase in new HIV infections among women. Twenty-three AIDS-related deaths were recorded, a 41% decrease, but accounted for 30% of AIDS-related deaths among women.

"The HIV / AIDS scenario varies from place to place – for example, Jaintia Hills districts have more HIV infections than East Khasi Hills district, which may be due to migrant flows or truckers, "said Rebina Subba-based consultant with Naco.

In Mizoram, there were 1,503 new HIV infections in 2017, with a 30% decrease in AIDS-related deaths. New HIV infections increased by 18%, with women accounting for 42% of new HIV infections. The state also reported 474 AIDS-related deaths in 2017, women accounting for 39%.

"In Manipur and Mizoram, the consumption of endemic drugs and the use of infected syringes are increasing.The infection among drug users is quite high in both states," said Deepak Leimapokpam of the Network. positive people from Manipur.

Arunachal Pradesh reported a 65% increase in new HIV infections in 2017 with 76 new HIV infections, including 39% of new HIV infections among women. With 17 AIDS-related deaths in 2017, there has been a staggering 111% increase in deaths. Women accounted for 37%.

"Screening has increased dramatically in Arunachal Pradesh, so new cases are reported," Chakraborty said.