Health dept worried over increasing AIDS cases

Maharajganj, Jun 1 (UNI) The rising number of AIDS cases in this district along the Indo-Nepal border is worrying the health department here.

In the past three years, AIDS cases have registered a considerable spurt, while statistics also show that at least 30 people died of AIDS since 2004.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) J P Gupta today said keeping in mind the increasing number of AIDS cases a 'Councelling and Training Centre' was established here last year. Almost 775 people gave their samples of which 105 were found HIV positive.

He said due to lack of employment opportunities, youth of the district migrate to other states, where most of them get infected.

''This is posing a big threat not only to them, but to their family also,'' he said.

Expressing concern over the current situation, Mr Gupta said self-imposed restriction and discipline could only help curb this disease.

Meanwhile, he said an AIDS awareness programmes would be initiated for the rural population.

UNI