HIV prevalence in Chandigarh among the highest

The prevalence of HIV cases among high risk groups in Chandigarh is among the highest in the country, the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) said today.

"A close analysis of data reveals that the HIV prevalence rate among high risk groups like drug users is among the highest in the country," Dr Yujwal, National Technical Adviser, NACO, said in Chandigarh.

At 26.1%, it is way above the national rate of 9.19%, he said.

A total of 5,594 people in the city had undergone screening in the first three months of the year out of which 245 (4%) tested positive for the disease.