'HIV cases on the rise in Tiruchi'

By S. Ganesan

TIRUCHI, JUNE 2. Even as the growing incidence of HIV has been a cause for concern all over the country, Tiruchi is rapidly emerging as a focal point after Namakkal, as recent studies have revealed a sharp rise in the number of cases in the region.

Though no comprehensive statistics are available about the full extent of the threat, surveys conducted by individual agencies have thrown up disturbing facts.

The Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre, recently established at the K.A.P. Viswanatham Government Medical College Hospital, has also hinted at the high prevalence of HIV.

The department of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) at the hospital has handled 682 HIV cases since April 1997. Most of these were males in the age group of 20 to 45. Out of these, 139 full blown AIDS patients have been admitted to the STD ward.

Besides this, about 240 HIV cases have been identified through the Sentinel Surveillance for HIV Positive Cases Among STD Patients, conducted at the department under the auspices of the National AIDS Control Society (NACO).

The survey was conducted among patients with genital complaints, for three months, twice in 1998, and once in 1999 and 2000. About 250 patients were tested during every screening period.

Blood samples were tested at the Microbiology Department of the Madurai Medical College. The survey has revealed that there has been a steady increase in the incidence. Out of the 250 samples 30 were found HIV positive, accounting for 12 per cent. The figure rose to 40 (16 per cent) in August- October 1998, 80 (32 per cent) in August-October 1999 and 120 (48 per cent) in August- October 2000.

While the results of the tests conducted under the survey were not revealed to the patients, the NACO, through the TN State AIDS Control Society, has established the Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centre at the K.A.P. Hospital in March. The centre was established with the objective of testing the blood samples of those who volunteer and provide pre and post test counselling to them. A counselor and a technician have been appointed at the centre.

In the last two months, blood samples of over 180 patients have been tested at the centre out of which nearly 50 per cent have tested HIV positive. The blood samples are subjected to ELISA I and II tests. Dr. C. Ravindaranath, Dean, K.A.P.Medical College, said the centre has received a good response with many persons coming forward to test their blood. Many of those volunteering for the test hail from rural areas and low income families. The anti-retro viral therapy for HIV patients was highly expensive, said Dr. S. Sivakumar, Assistant Professor, STD Department of the Medical College.

As HIV positive persons could become full blown AIDS patients over the years, depending on the immunity level of the individual, there was a need for appropriate follow up action.

As Mr. Senthil Kumar, Director, Anbalayam, said there were thousands of HIV positive patients who have not been accounted. Many of them get their blood tested at private laboratories in the city which charge heavily without a guarantee that the results are correct, he said.

Social workers stress the need for launching a massive rehabilitation programme in Tiruchi for the AIDS victims and HIV positive patients, some of whom display suicidal tendencies due to the social stigma.

The State AIDS Control Society is implementing intervention programmes among the high risk group of commercial sex workers, truck drivers and slum dwellers through three NGOs- Anbalayam, Gramalaya and Development Promotion Group in Tiruchi. However, much needs to be done to defuse the time bomb.

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Section  : Southern States
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