Morung Express News
Kohima | June 26
Although, the level of awareness on HIV/AIDS amongst the common people was reported to have reached 70%, the prevalent rate of the virus has not shown any recession; instead it is continuing to grow at an alarming speed a Nagaland State AIDS Control Society source said.
Out of the 5000 test reports from various ICTC centres across the state, about 139 cases were tested positive in the month of May alone revealed Dr Neiphi Kire, Project Director, which he said is quite alarming. “With the increasing number of blood tests, there is an increasing number of positive cases”, Dr Neiphi said.
The mode of transmission has also changed. Earlier, the main route of transmission was Intravenous Drug Users, but, now the heterosexual route has taken over. About 60% of the transmission are through sexual route, while 24% through IDU, said the Project Director, while addressing the gathering at the International Day Against Drug Trafficking.
The HIV/AIDS cases have reached 4652 at present. Out of which 398 are put on under ART. Interestingly, the fight against this virus has become not only a ‘departmental battle,’ now everyone including the churches, NGOs, media, students and civil societies. However, the prevalent rate has not shown any decrease. Strong political will, expansion of ICTC to all parts of the state, condom usage are the tools now required to combat this disease, added Dr Neiphi.
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