HIV/AIDS among sex workers declining, increasing in gays, drug users

New Delhi, June 8 (UNI) Eventhough the prevalance of HIV/AIDS infection in antenatal clinics has shown a decline in some southern states, high levels of infection among Men who have sex with Men (MSM) and Injecting Drug Users (IDU) are of concern.

National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) analysis of the sentinel suveillance data has shown that the HIV prevalence levels are declining among sex workers in areas where targeted interventions have been implemented, particularly in the southern states, yet overall prevalence levels among sex workers continue to be high necessitating focused prevention interventions.

Experience shows that where these groups are themselves engaged in prevention efforts they become strong leaders in prevention.

Finally, the 2007 sentinel data clearly validates the prevention strategy being implemented by NACO.

NACO as part of its continuous efforts to know HIV/AIDS epidemic better with national and international expert groups, including UNAIDS and WHO, have analysed the data to estimate the number of adults living with HIV/AIDS . It convened a meeting of the Core Technical Working Group on Estimates and Projections on June 4 to June 7. The Core Group provides guidance on the methods and assumptions used to develop national HIV prevalence estimates.

This year the estimates would provide a more accurate picture of the epidemic because of availability of more information based on population based surveys and improved data from high risk groups.

The Working Group is still in the process of analysing the data to develop an updated estimate of national HIV prevalence and these figures will be available by the first week of July.

UNI