New hotspots of HIV/AIDS emerging

NEW DELHI: Even though HIV/AIDS prevalence has seen a decline across the country, new hotspots have emerged where more than one per cent incidence have been reported raising concern among the healthcare authorities.

Gays and injected drug users (IDUs) are more at risk as compared to sex workers and truckers of contracting the virus and fall in the high-risk group.

NACO Director General Sujatha Rao said they are taking comfort in the fact that they are now dealing with "realistic figure". But she expressed concern about the new emerging area in low-prevalence or medium prevalence states.

While in 104 districts more than one per cent prevalence rate was reported at the anti-natal clinic sites across the country, about 14 districts have more than three per cent prevalence rate, she said at an interaction with NGOs here on Saturday.

"Though the figure has shown a decline, new hotspots have emerged. The need is to focus on them. We need constant interventions," she said.

According to the revised figure, which is backed by UN, there are 2.5 million HIV/AIDS cases in the country, a drastic reduction of around 50 per cent from 2005.

"It is worrying that in some areas the prevalence rate is more than one per cent. The correct picture will help us in preparing a roadmap to tackle the situation," she said.

The NACO chief said more interventions are needed with gays and IDUs. "Among the high-risk groups MSM (Men who have sex with men) and IDUs are at high-risk," she said.

Ramesh Venkataraman from Actionaid International said the revised figure might send a wrong signal about the growth of the infection in the country. "Focus should be equally on treatment as well as on prevention," he said.