New surveys to pin AIDS count

February 16, 2006

TOUFIQ RASHID

Posted online: Thursday, February 16, 2006 at 0129 hours IST

NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 15: This is a step the government hopes will put

an end to the controversy over the AIDS count in the country — two

health surveys that have been initiated will rely more on head count

than estimation.

While one survey is underway in the country to estimate HIV/AIDS

prevalence in the general population, another is being started in

five high- prevalence states. ``We want to have some conclusive idea

in the general population as well as high-risk population,'' said Dr

Arvind Pandey, director of the National Institute of Medical

statistics.

The survey for HIV/AIDS numbers in the general population is part of

the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-III which has been started

from 2005-end. This multi-round survey conducted in a representative

sample of households throughout India included HIV/AIDS as a

component for the first time.

The survey is a collaborative project of the International Institute

for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai and international agencies

like ORC Macro, USA and National Institute of Medical Statistics in

Delhi. Officials said a sample of about 20 lakh people from

households across the country will be tested to know the accurate

prevalence of the disease in India. ``While consent would be taken

but complete anonymity will be maintained,'' said Dr Pandey.

The second survey is being done under the Avahan project of Bill &

Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation along with Family Health

Institute and ICMR is starting bio-behavioural study in five high-

prevalence states — Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh,

Nagaland and Manipur.

``NFHS study is the largest survey conducted in the world. The

sample is very large. It will help in getting a better picture,''

said Denis Broun, country representative UNAIDS.

id=252155 & n_date=20060217 & cat=Health

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