SHARP RISE IN HIV/AIDS IN J& K

New Delhi, 23 October 2006

NEW DELHI, October 2 (INFA):  Jammu and Kashmir, already troubled by non-stop militancy for over 15 years, is now threatened with yet another hazard: sharp rise in HIV/AIDS infections.

An increase in HIV/AIDS cases from two cases identified in 1999 in the State to 745 till recently has been officially recorded. 

The State lies in a low prevalence risk zone, with an infection rate among the high-risk groups (STD-infected) standing at 0.95 per cent, and among the low risk groups at 0.06 per cent. However, concentrations of migrant labourers, truck drivers, security personnel and the influx of tourists pose a serious threat that could result in a rise in HIV/AIDS cases.

Moreover, unorganized commercial sex, the difficult terrain and socio-cultural diversity in the State make spreading awareness about the virus doubly challenging.  Independent studies claim that the State has nearly 25,000 cases of HIV infection. 

With only 56 per cent literacy in the State, disseminating information and spreading awareness about the disease has not been an easy task. Also, inhospitable weather conditions and difficult terrain are major hurdles during communication.

In a novel attempt to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, the JKSPACS has roped in religious leaders like imams and granthis in the State to educate people against the cause and spread of the deadly virus.

The increased presence of police, military, and paramilitary forces in J&K has added to the risk because HIV/AIDS among security personnel is acquired mostly due to multiple sexual partners and visits to prostitutes.

The BSF has recently introduced a bi-annual health check up for its doctors, and other meets where doctors interact with the jawans about the disease.

Though the AIDS awareness programme for defence personnel does not come under the ambit of the JKSAPCS, it has been conducting programmes for Army, Air Force and police officers, jawans and their families.

Official figures have however recorded only 37 deaths out of the 95 full-blown reported cases in J&K.  However, the real figure is suspected to be many times more. In a recent survey conducted by the international NGO EXB, nearly 85 people found infected with HIV/AIDS have died in Jammu’s Hiranagar tehsil alone--- which contradicts the claims of the JKSAPCS.  The society has also been criticized for not looking beyond spreading awareness.

Another independent study (Clinical Profile of HIV/AIDS patients in Jammu) conducted by Jammu-based clinical immunologist Dr. Anil Mahajan notes that HIV/AIDS in J&K is no longer a low prevalence disease. Para-military forces, truck drivers and housewives were the major affected groups. ---INFA