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Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of Worlds AIDS Day, the disconcerting fact is Odisha has detected new 1, 962 HIV positive cases in the general population till the end of October this year.
Moreover, 515 new HIV+ were detected in pregnant mothers during the period January - October 2019, and 483 of the HIV+ have been confirmed as AIDS infected.
Overall, the HIV prevalence rate among general population in Odisha till October end 2019 has been estimated at 0.41 per cent, which cannot be considered a low rate of prevalence. A total of 1,330 males and 632 females (not ANC attendees) have been tested HIV positve.
When such a reality check on 2019 HIV scenario was to the fore from the data available with Odisha health department, a comparative analysis of the 2018 HIV scenario provides little assuring facts.
As per the Odisha State AIDS Control Society (OSACS) data, the year 2018 saw detection of 2,261 HIV+ cases vis-a-vis detection of 2,477 HIV+ cases till October end this year.
Significantly, the total HIV tests conducted on general population in State last year was over 4.164 lakh, whereas the total tests of general population conducted till October this year stood at 3.56 lakh. Still, detection of new HIV positive cases were higher, which is quite alarming.
The district-wise data shows Sambalpur District has posted more HIV+ cases this year than in 2018. Nearly 1.9 per cent of total HIV tests for general population in the district detected positive vis-a-vis 1.6 per cent in 2018.
Cuttack district also figured among the high HIV prevalence district in Odisha with 1.9 per cent of tests being detected positive. Ganjam, Gajapati and Nabarangpur followed with 1 per cent and 0.8 per cent HIV + cases, respectively.
The data with the OSACS reveal that a total 18, 626 people are living with HIV (PLHIV) in the State currently and are on ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy) treatment. Odisha has been ranked in the top-15 states with high PLHIVs. Also, number of HIV positive pregnant women & new mothers initiated on lifelong ART counted at 155 in 2018. A total 91 babies in 2018 have been initiated on ARV prophylaxis.
However, what looks assuring for the State is the HIV Sentinel Survey - 2017 showed a sharp dip in HIV prevalence among ante-natal clinic attendees and high risk groups like sex workers, transgenders, MSMs (Men having Sex with Men) and IDU (Injectible Drug Users) from 0.73 per cent in 2008-09 to 0.28 per cent in 2016-17.
The decline is considered significant because it reduces the risk of transmission of the killer disease to the future generation (children).
Another significant observation made by the HIV Sentinel Survey 2017 is AIDS related deaths in Odisha has shown a decline.
