Fall in no. of HIV patients in D.K.

Team Udayavani, Sep 5, 2018, 12:56 PM IST

Mangaluru: The number of HIV/AIDS patients in Dakshina Kannada (D.K) district has come down considerably. A decade ago it was at 15%, but now it has come down to 1%. The district stands on the 8^th position in the list on HIV affected.

Since many years, Information and awareness programmes have been organized by the Health Department. As a result, there has been a considerable decrease of HIV patients in the district. According to the Department’s statistics, ten years back the district had 15.6% of the people were affected by HIV. By August 2018, it has reduced to 1%. In 2007, of the total population, 0.6% pregnant women were infected with HIV. But, by August 2018, the number has fallen to 0.01%.

Red Ribbon Club in schools-colleges

Red Ribbon Club has been established ib 92 schools-colleges in the district by the district AIDS control council. Through this club, the students are made aware of HIV/AIDS. Programmes have been organized in high schools for teenagers. Awareness is being spread through Yakshagana.

Highest in 25-40 age group

Of the patients affected by HIV in the district, the highest numbers of them belong to the 25-40 years group. According to the statistics since April 2018 to June, 1 from 0-14 year age group, 9 from 15-24 year age group, 90 from 25-49 year age group and 24 people from the age group over 50 years are suffering from the disease.  

Bagalkot is in the first position

Bagalkot is in the first position in the list on the number of patients suffering from HIV/AIDS. It is followed by Bengaluru Rural and Yadgir.

“Because of the awareness programmes by the health department the number of HIV patients have come down. Public Awarness Programmes have also been organized through NGO’s,” said Rita, activist, Hongirana NGO, Falnir.

“In comparison to previous years, the number of HIV patients in the district has come down. The people in the district are getting educated on health. The Health Department has organized awareness,” said Dr. Badruddin, District AIDS Control Officer. .