Dimapur, Aug 14 (MExN): National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) in collaboration with the state AIDS control societies spread across the country is launching a two-month long multi-media campaign on Independence Day the August 15th 2007 with the objective to promote counseling and testing.
A note from the NSACS informed that along with the rest of the country, Nagaland will be launching the 360 degree multi-media campaign to last till October 15 2007, to promote counseling and testing for HIV in Nagaland with the objective of reaching out to all the high-risk and vulnerable populations.
With a prevalence rate of 1.2% in Nagaland, it is estimated that there are about 24000 people infected with HIV. While there are only 4788 HIV/AIDS cases detected so far, only 464 cases are accessing ART services and 20 children are on ART. This indicates that access to service is dismally low which is due to ignorance, denial or stigma and discrimination and lack of awareness of health care facilities, NSACS informed.
An individual who is infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) will not develop the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) immediately. The immune system of the individual will wage a consistent and prolonged war with the virus, right from the day of infection, delaying the onset of AIDS by many years. The time-lag between infection and manifestation of signs and symptoms of AIDS is approximately 5–7 years, the society informed.
The only way to diagnose the presence of HIV and get timely treatment is through a simple blood test. HIV counseling and testing services were started in Nagaland in the year 1997. There are now 60 Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers (ICTCs), which are located in government hospitals, CHCs and designated PHCs through out the state. All these centers will be fully geared up to carry out the tests during this campaign. It is significant to note that with a population of 20 lakhs, 5% of the state population has been tested for HIV which leaves 95% of the population not tested. Out of the estimated 24000 HIV positive cases, only 20% are aware of their HIV status. The challenge is to make the remaining 80% of HIV-infected people in the state to know their status by getting their blood tested. This will help them to adopt healthy lifestyles, access care and treatment and prevent the transmission of HIV to others.
The NSACS urges everyone to join in the fight against HIV/AIDS and avail the services being provided free of cost from the nearest hospital.
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