According to the United Nations 2011 Aids Report, every day, over 7,400 people are infected with HIV and 5,500 die from Aids-related illnesses. However, there has been a 50% fall in the number of new HIV infections in the last 10 years in India. In Karnataka alone, at least 2.5 lakh people are affected by Aids.
Marking the World Aids Day 2011, experts spoke about ‘Getting to zero,’ theme for the year.
“HIV infection and Aids can be controlled like other chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Patients can lead normal lives and continue to work in the community with antiretroviral drugs. But the newer antiretroviral drugs have a few side-effects,” said Dr KS Satish, chest and HIV specialist, Fortis Hospital, who has been practising in the field for the last two decades.
HIV prevention trials have shown that by using medications like Tenofovir Gel and tablets, the disease can be prevented. HIV specialists are hence talking about cure in conferences which is a good sign, said Dr Satish.
“We have to continue education, awareness and prevention at the same pace and not to be complacent and this must be linked to care. We must take care of marginalised group without discrimination,” he added.
Almost 1.8 million people die every year from HIV/Aids, and the social stigma attached to this disease cannot be ignored.
“However, this can be reduced by educating people and making them come forward and get tested. Early detection is good, as the disease can be controlled if not cured, when detected early,” said Dr Poornima Parthasarathy, consultant, infectious diseases, Apollo Hospital.
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