{"id":1528,"date":"2023-12-01T17:06:07","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T17:06:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theasiaspeaks.com\/?p=1528"},"modified":"2023-12-01T17:06:08","modified_gmt":"2023-12-01T17:06:08","slug":"aids-cases-show-rise-in-jk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theasiaspeaks.com\/index.php\/2023\/12\/01\/aids-cases-show-rise-in-jk\/","title":{"rendered":"AIDS cases show rise in J&K"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n \t<\/i> Read Time:<\/span>2 Minute, 23 Second <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n

6,305 HIV cases reported since 1998, Region facing increased risk due to tourism, influx of migrant labourers: Officials<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Srinagar, Dec 01 :\u00a0<\/strong>The cases of HIV\/AIDS are increasing with each passing year in Jammu & Kashmir, as a total of 6,305 patients have tested positive in the region from 1998 until October 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A top health official informed the news agency\u2014Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that 1,452 HIV-positive patients have died since 1998 until October 2023, while 3,583 patients are living on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART). He added that 521 patients have left follow-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said that 5,154 cases of HIV have been reported at GMC Jammu, and among them, 1,274 have died, 470 have left follow-up, and 2,782 are living on ART.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, at SKIMS Srinagar, the number of patients registered in HIV care till October 2023 is 776, with 152 deaths, 35 leaving follow-up, and 473 living on ART, he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In ART Kathua, the number of patients registered in HIV care is 375, with 26 deaths, 16 leaving follow-up, and 328 living on ART.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The officials highlighted that due to social stigma, many people aren’t coming forward for HIV tests, and over the years, the number of patients infected has shown a rising trend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By damaging the immune system, HIV interferes with the body\u2019s ability to fight infection and disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and can also be spread through contact with infected blood or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, as well as multi-person usage of needles. Without medication, it may take years before HIV weakens the immune system to the point of developing AIDS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Officials said that a person suffering from AIDS is unfortunately often regarded as a stigma in society, and such individuals become victims of ostracism, rejection, and discrimination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also noted that J&K is at a greater risk of HIV\/AIDS due to its status as a tourist destination, along with the presence of long-distance truck drivers, considered a vulnerable bridge population for HIV transmission, the heavy influx of migrant labourers, and the high concentration of security forces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most patients testing positive for HIV\/AIDS in J&K have contracted the disease from outside the UT. \u201cDrug addicts are at a higher risk of contracting HIV\/AIDS, and if they are married or sexually active, they can transmit the virus to their partners as well,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The AIDS Project Cell was reconstituted as the JAMMU & KASHMIR AIDS CONTROL SOCIETY (JKSACS), registered under the Jammu & Kashmir Societies Registration Act, with effect from 14TH December 1998, to address the problem of AIDS more effectively.<\/p>\n

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