HIV/AIDS, a global threat to humanity

Shillong, Jun 21 (UNI) Meghalaya Governor S S Sidhu today said HIV/AIDS is a global threat to humanity and India is no exception.

Inaugurating Maitri ARWWA Self-Sustaining Empowerment Scheme (MASSES) Recycled eco-friendly paper plant at Laitkor here, Mr Sidhu said the first case in India was found in 1986 and now the number of infected persons have grown substantially.

Six states in India - Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland and Manipur - are worst affected and it is reported to be fast spreading in Mizoram as well.

Pointing out that Meghalaya falls under the Low Prevalence states, Mr Sidhu said as per latest data there are 75 HIV cases and 10 AIDS cases out of which two people have died. '' However, this should not make us complacent and we should be cautious about the ground realities of this dreadful disease, '' he added.

There are four sentinel surveillance sites in Meghalaya and it is proposed to increase it to 17. Besides, there are 5 voluntary counselling and testing centres and 6 STD clinics, and the truck drivers and female sex workers are targeted for prevention and awareness to avoid further spread.

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