Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 1
Out of 13, 286 cases tested for HIV at District Hospital Dimapur, 527 cases were tested positive during the period of April to October 2016. A total number of 7869 persons have been registered at the Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centre, Dimapur as on October 2016 out of which 4879 are on ART medication and 682 persons have died since inception of ART Centre in Dimapur.
These figures were revealed by Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur, Dr. Antoly Swu during the commemoration of 29th World Aids Day at Town Hall, Dimapur on Thursday under the theme, “Hands up for HIV Prevention.”
She also informed that the HIV and AIDS prevalence rate in Dimapur as of April-October 2016 stood at 5.04% while Nagaland state stood at 1.72%.
“India has the third largest HIV epidemic in the world with 2.1 million People Living with HIV as of 2015,” she said. Quoting UNAIDS Gap report 2016, Dr. Antoly also pointed out that there have been 86, 000 new HIV infections while 68, 000 AIDS-related deaths have occurred.
She said 78 million people globally have been infected with HIV till 2015 since the start of the epidemic and 35 million people have died from AIDS-related illness till end 2015.
She informed that Nagaland was among the highest states in the country with HIV and AIDS related cases.
Speaking as the chief guest, CMO Dimapur, Dr. K. Vikato Kinimi informed that 53 NGOs were working HIV and AIDS related issues under the Nagaland State Aids Control Society.
He said more cases of HIV positive were detected owing to the growing awareness programmes initiated by both the government and NGOs. He appealed the public to treat HIV patients as normal people and denounced discrimination against them in any manner.
Dr. Vikato also appealed the several government departments which have laid down provisions for HIV patients to help the patients whenever they approach for any help with regard to benefits.
Responding to an appeal from earlier PLHIV speaker for more CD4 count machines in addition to the existing one since it did not meet the needs of the patients, Dr. Vikato said he was hopeful of getting an additional CD4 machine since its procurement was already under process.
Superintendent, Food & Civil Supplies, Jamonger Ao delivered solidarity message on the occasion. The programme was organized by District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit and supported by NSACS, Kohima.
