50% rise in AIDS-related deaths:?WHO

 

Bangalore: In general, the HIV infection rate in the country is coming down but it is seen that young people in the age group of 19-30 who are among the vulnerable lot are on the rise. In India, 31% of people with HIV are in the age group of 15-29 years (the most vulnerable group), hence precaution is the most important preventive measure says Dr. Leelavathy, Professor and HOD, Department of Dermatology and Venereo­logy, Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital.

 

World Health Organization (WHO) claims a 50% increase in AIDS-related deaths among adolescent group compared with the 30% decline seen in the general population from 2005-2012. Yet another challenge faced by the government is the drop-out rate of the patients receiving Antiretroviral therapy (ART). The main reason for this huge drop-out rate is long distance travel by HIV positive people to their nearest ART centre, these distances can be anywhere between 50 to 100 kms. This long distance travel means people have to leave aside their daily earning activity, she further added.

 

Karnataka has yet another startling fact when it comes to PLHIV. As per the available statistics with the Karnataka State Aids Prevention Society (KSAPS) about 34,000 new cases of HIV were registered with various ART Centers across Karnataka in 2012-13.  Meanwhile there are about 2.4 lakh PLHIV in Karnataka.

 

The city on Sunday witnessed several events to mark the World Aids Day. Urging communities to take responsible action in educating and advocating the facts about HIV and to eradicate it a 5K run was organized with the theme Red Ribbon Revolution- Champion in Me by Bangalore Schools Sports Foundation. The run had people from Corporate sector and over 600 children participating.

 

Reeth Abraham, International Athlete and Ambassador, Red Ribbon Revolution, Ashwini Nachappa, Syed Kirmani International Cricketer were some of the participating celebrities.