Dharwad among high risk districts in HIV/AIDS

Stung by increasing number of positive cases of HIV/AIDS in Dharwad district, the health department has planned a week-long awareness programme 'Samagra Janajagruti Abhiyaan' in the district from Monday. The rising number of cases are not only a social concern, but also can be a burden on the healthcare system and could impact economic.

During the campaign, volunteers from various organisations and health workers will visit each household and distribute pamphlets containing information on the causes for HIV/AIDS and measures to prevent it besides the treatment available to those afflicted with the disease.

Karnataka ranks sixth highest number of HIV-infected patients. Moreover, 30 districts including Dharwad are among the 158 high risk districts identified in the country. "Though, several awareness programmes have been organised to educate the people, AIDS is on the rise at an alarming rate," said additional deputy commissioner Shivanand Kapsi.

As per a survey conducted by the district health officials, there are 9,158 HIV positive persons in the district, of which 9,119 patients are undergoing treatment at ART centre at the Karnataka Institute of Medical-Sciences (KIMS) and at District Hospital in Dharwad.

Reports from health department reveal that every month 150 new patients register their names at the ART centre. Of all the AIDS patients, 2,864 were infected through sexual contact, he added. Of those who are HIV infected, 31 per cent are youth. Hence, the awareness drive would focus on the youth and educate them of the disease.

The officials have already identified high risk areas in Dharwad district.

This disease is on the rise in Dharwad, Hubli and Kalghatgi taluks. In Dharwad taluk, 1,902 patients are undergoing treatment at ART centre this include 115 children, while 2,054 patients including 146 children are undergoing treatment in Hubli taluk.

Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar will launch the campaign on Sunday at Rayapur at 5.30 PM. On Monday, actor Ganesh will lead a jatha from the Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha at 9.30 AM.

As many as 650 volunteers from angawadi centers, Asha workers and health assistants have been roped in to take up door-to-door awareness campaign. Some 45 supervisors have been appointed to monitor the campaign and assist the volunteers, said district officer N H Honakeri. The campaign aims to cover over 260,000 households.