Naidu Govt takes up fight against AIDS

Naidu Govt takes up fight against AIDS
M Rajeev

HYDERABAD, AUG 15: Andhra Pradesh is sitting on a bomb with a short fuse -- the rapidly spreading Acquired-Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Incidence of AIDS among antenatal women has gone up from 2.1 per cent in 1998 to 2.5 per cent in 1999, as also the percentage went up from 22 to 29 in attendees at Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) clinics. Instances of even 14-year-old school children contracting AIDS have come to light in some parts of the state.

Deeply concerned over the spread of the disease, the Andhra Pradesh government has now decided to launch a massive campaign to create awareness among people about AIDS, including to encourage use of condoms, particularly by those in high risk groups. Sale of condoms through fair price shops, kiosks and all other outlets is being seriously considered.

Simultaneously, a fresh survey has been launched to assess the prevalence of the disease and the results are expected to be known by October.

Official sources said as against the less than 10 cases reported in 1994, a whopping 2.1 per cent antenatal women tested HIV positive in hospitals across the State during 1998. The percentage increased to about 2.5 last year while the national average was one per cent.

In respect of high risk groups like commercial sex workers, truck drivers, street children, migrant labour, industrial workers and other such categories, there was a steep seven per cent increase in the incidence in one year. From 22 per cent incidence among the attendees at STD clinics in 1998, it went up to 29 in 1999 which, according to officials, is a "dangerous sign." The national average of HIV incidence among STD clinic attendees is 9.6 per cent.

Andhra Pradesh stands next only to Maharashtra in terms of the prevalence of AIDS/HIV followed by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

"The situation is dangerous. Something has to be done now or we can do nothing in the future," said State AIDS Control project director Chandramowli.

Chandramouli attributed the increased incidence to unsafe sex practices and the flesh trade flourishing in different parts of the State. "There are instances of 14-year-old school-going kids contacting the virus due to unsafe sex practices," he said.

Keeping this in view, it has been decided to intensify interventions targeting high risk groups, besides taking up awareness programmes on safe sex methods for low risk groups. The State AIDS Control Society has also launched a condom campaign all over the State recently.

As many as 29 non-governmental organisations have already been engaged to take up awareness programmes, particularly among commercial sex workers, truck drivers, street children, prison inmates and men having sex with men (MSM). Several programmes for sensitising self-help groups, teachers, etc has also been planned.

Besides, the society will take the help of HIV-infected patients who volunteer to participate in the awareness programmes. It has also sought the cooperation of the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Confederation of Indian Industry for awareness programmes for industrial labour. The two organisations have assured their full support.