HIV figure reaches 111 in Sikkim

Gangtok, Aug 26 (UNI) As many as 111 people in Sikkim have been reported to be HIV positive.

According to records of the concerned agencies here today the number was 60 till September 2006.

Apart from unprotected sex, rampant use of syringe by drug addicts was attributed as a major reason for the spread of HIV disease, sources added.

State AIDS Control Society and Voluntary Health Organization of Sikkim (VHOS) are the two major agencies to prevent the spread of HIV through unprotected sex.

VHOS is currently undertaking a 'Target intervention' in Gangtok with 450 identified sexual workers, sources informed.

UNI BG RH KK/src1557