The percentage in the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among antenatal mothers in the Union Territory of Puducherry has declined to ‘zero’ at present according to data available with the Pondicherry AIDS Control Society (PACS).
The Union Territory has also improved its status from that of ‘moderate’ prevalence state to ‘low’ prevalence state.
The percentage of prevalence of HIV among antenatal mothers in the UT was 0.25 percent in 2004 and 0.13 percent in 2010-11, said PACS. The percentage has also declined in the high risk groups.
Addressing a programme organised by PACS on the occasion of World AIDS Day, Dr. K.V. Raman, Director, Department of Health and Family Welfare Services elaborated on measures taken by the government to achieve this year’s theme of ‘Getting to Zero’.
It includes zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination against HIV positive persons and zero AIDS-related deaths.
He said that the government was planning to implement the proposal of a stipend of Rs1000 per month for patients taking treatment at the government’s Antiretroviral therapy (ART) Centres. The Indian government has given a grant of Rs4.78 crore towards reducing prevalence of HIV/AIDS, said Dr. Raman.
He also said two blood banks would be established at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute and the Rajiv Gandhi Government Women and Children Hospital.
The government was working with voluntary organisations to provide nutritious food to children affected with HIV/ AIDS.
Private employers would be encouraged to give employment to HIV positive people and organise awareness campaigns among staff. The ART centre at JIPMER has been upgraded to Facility-Integrated ART Centre, added Dr. Raman.
“The prevalence percentage among antenatal mothers is reflective of the overall population as it indicates parent to child infection. If it is contained, we can achieve our goal of ‘getting to zero’,” said Dr. Gideon Sathyaraj of PACS to The Hindu .
