Visakhapatnam: As the world commemorates the 37th World AIDS Day on December 1, 2024, the focus is on raising awareness and combating the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. Recent statistics reveal that approximately 39.9 million people globally are living with HIV, with 2.54 million cases from India alone. In Andhra Pradesh, about 300,000 individuals are living with the virus, according to the district health medical department.
Andhra Pradesh ranks second among Indian states, followed by Maharashtra for HIV prevalence. In AP, currently, 2,22,338 patients are receiving treatment under the National AIDS and STD Control Programme. This figure includes 99,455 males, 1,22,124 females and 759 transgender individuals. According to data, about 91per cent of HIV infections are transmitted through unsafe sexual practices and 90 per cent of cases occur among individuals aged 15 to 49. The state has seen a significant increase in treated patients from 192,693 in 2019-20 to 222,338 in 2023-24, marking a 15.38 per cent increase in four years.
In the Visakhapatnam district, a total of 9,854 HIV cases have been reported. The district has experienced varying levels of HIV prevalence in different areas, with Visakhapatnam Urban emerging as the most significantly affected region, accounting for 5,301 cases. Gajuwaka follows with 1,926 cases, while Pedagantyada reports 758 cases and Visakhapatnam Rural has 806 cases. Other localities show lower case numbers, including Bheemli with 375 cases, Anandapuram with 225 cases, and Padmanabham with the lowest number at 85 cases.
The data indicates a decrease in new HIV cases over the past four years. In the year 2022-2023, a total of 104,823 individuals were tested for HIV, with 927 positive results, this number dropped to 433 positive cases by October 2024. Among pregnant women tested during this period, there were only 12 positive cases. In the Visakhapatnam district, a total of 10,993 people are currently using Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), with a demographic breakdown showing 5,084 adult males, 5,477 adult females, 62 transgender individuals, 219 boys, and 151 girls.
Dr. Kutikuppala Surya Rao, a physician and specialist in HIV treatment, emphasised the urgent need for increased awareness and education to combat rising death rates of HIV/AIDS. He noted that this year's theme “Follow the path of rights – My health, my right” aims to prevent new infections and ensure equitable treatment for those already affected by HIV without discrimination.
