Northeast India AIDS Cases Show Alarming Trend

Imphal, Jun 4 : There has been an alarming annual rise of new HIV cases in the North Eastern states from 5549 (new cases) in 2001 to 6460 (new cases) in 2011. The total number of HIV infected persons in the whole North East region is 63,049 cases with Manipur leading the list with 25369 cases and Sikkim recording the lowest with just 593 cases.

This is just a contrast to the national trend where the overall decline rate in India is 57% recorded from 2001 to 2011.

This data was revealed during a three-day conclave entitled, "North East Conclave" organised by Manipur State AIDS Control Societies and Partners at Hotel Classic here today.

Addressing the programme, Oussama Tawil who is the co-ordinator of UNAIDS in India said they are now shifting their focus to the North East region saying concerted awareness has begun in this regard.

He said funding has begun and the study is also underway in the region. Oussama Tawil seeks the co-operation of the locals and NGOs working in this field. "Without their support we are helpless," said Tawil.

K. B. Agarwal who is the Joint Secretary of Department of AIDS Control (DAC), Government of India, stated that the method of fighting AIDS in mainland India cannot be applied in the North East region. Agarwal said situation in the North East region is very different from the rest of India and suggested to have measures that suit the region while fighting the disease.

Source: Newmai News Network