HIV+ pregnancy rise alarming

[Guest guest]

HIV+ pregnancy rise alarming

The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, May 18: " With 4.2% of the pregnant women in Ukhrul district

tested HIV positive, Manipur ranks the highest in the percentage of

HIV positive cases among pregnant women in India.

Pregnant women are considered as surrogate indicator of general

population. So this rate clearly indicates that HIV/AIDS in Ukhrul

needs immediate action and the people should not overlook this issue

for Naga integration. "

This was stated by NACO Consultant Dr Khomdon Lisham. Dr Khomdon

said that the people of Manipur in general are busy with

integration ? whether safeguarding it or constructing it ? but

worldwide Manipur has become famous for HIV/AIDS.

Observing that the issue should not be ignored any longer, the

doctor said, " As per a UN report 100 lakhs new cases of HIV

infection are expected in five years from India alone. "

Explaining the possible cause for the sharp rise in HIV infection in

Ukhrul district, Dr Khomdon said, " The present scenario of HIV/AIDS

in Ukhrul is due to the high presence of injecting drug users (IDUs)

in Ukhrul. Three-four years back out of the 500 IDUs about 60-70%

were unmarried. "

Stressing that some specific targeted projects are required for

Ukhrul district, he said that Ukhrul proper, Kamjong, Chassad and

Jessami report the highest cases of HIV/AIDS.

Another issue Dr Khomdon highlighted was the rising cases of HIV

infection among the Assam Rifle personnel. Referring to NACO report

on HIV infections among army he said, " Around 550 AR personnel

deployed in Manipur and Nagaland are HIV positive and around 5,200

infections are reported among the Indian military forces. "

He said that some intervention programmes for the army have already

been undertaken by UNAIDS and the army and very soon " separate work

place policy will be made and compulsory HIV/AIDS testing among new

recruits might be introduced " .

Dr Khomdon was speaking to media persons after presenting a paper

on " Present scenario of HIV/AIDS and role of Meira Paibi " at the

training of women leaders and sensitization on HIV/AIDS at the

Sangeet Natya Bidyalaya, Kwakeithel today.

Jointly organised by Meitei Leimarol Sinnai Sang and Manipur State

AIDS Control Society, Dr H Angomcha, psychiatrist JN Hospital and Dr

Gaining Gangmei, MO, IWR spoke on " Drug abuse and youth and their

vulnerability to HIV/AIDS " and " Women, STTDs and HIV/AIDS " .

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