UT has lowest HIV prevalence across India
SRINAGAR, JAN 31: In a disconcerting development, AIDS has claimed the lives of 1491 individuals in Jammu and Kashmir over the past 26 years, according to data obtained from the Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society.
The statistics reveal a concerning prevalence of the disease, with 6348 patients have been registered in HIV care at Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centres.
The Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society has been actively working towards the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.
Despite being classified as a low prevalence state, the mission of the J&K AIDS Prevention and Control Society is to disseminate comprehensive AIDS awareness to every citizen, particularly those in the age group of 15 to 49 years.
The prevalence of HIV in Jammu and Kashmir stands as the lowest in the country, recording an impressively low rate of 0.06%, according to the India HIV Estimates 2021.
This figure is significantly below the national prevalence rate of 0.21%. The commendable achievement is attributed to the dedicated efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society (JKACS).
A senior health department official said that JKACS has played a pivotal role in maintaining this low prevalence, actively implementing a comprehensive package of care, support, and treatment for HIV patients.
“By focusing on awareness, prevention, and providing accessible healthcare services, the society has contributed significantly to reducing the incidence of HIV in the region.”
The Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) services in Jammu and Kashmir are presently being expanded through ART centres primarily located in medical colleges, tertiary hospitals, and district hospitals. Recognizing the challenges associated with the lifelong therapy of ART, where drugs are generally provided on a monthly basis, the frequent visits have resulted in inconvenience, long travel distances, and increased costs for patients.
To address these issues and enhance the accessibility of HIV care, the Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society (JKACS) has taken a strategic step by establishing Link ART Centres at Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) in district/sub-district hospitals and Community Health Centers (CHCs) closer to the patients’ residences.
