Awareness brings down HIV positive rates in Kozhikode

KOZHIKODE: With strong awareness campaigns and the active participation of the health department, the number of AIDS patients is showing a downward trend, according to the data available with the district AIDS control cell. However, officials admit that there was a static situation in the last two-three years, after the situation was brought under control.

In the district, from December 2015 till date, 196 people were found HIV positive. This data included four pregnant women and two children, said deputy DMO Dr Jeeja M.P., who is in charge of the AIDS control cell in the district. She added that after the Anti-Retro-viral Therapy came into effect, the fear of AIDS had come down and this, in turn, resulted in precautionary steps against AIDS.

"Of the total 196 detected HIV positive, 127 are male and 69 are female. The pregnant women were detected during prenatal tests. The presence of children affected with HIV are a cause of special concern," said the deputy DMO. She added that the funds distributed to the National Aids Control Society, which in turn was channelised to the Kerala State AIDS Control Society, has also come down in recent years, which is affecting the awareness programmes in the state.