Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 07:
In a landmark development, transmission of HIV/AIDS through sexual relationship with an infected person can be prevented if the tablet Post Exposure Prophilisist (NEP) is taken within two hours of having sex, said HIV/AIDS in charge of JN Hospital L Radharani.
She observed that sex has become the dominant mode of HIV transmission and large number of women are increasingly falling victim to the virus.
If a woman happens to have sex with an HIV infected man, transmission of the virus can be effectively checked provided she takes Post Exposure Prophilisist tablets within two hours of having sex.
Moreover, if she takes the tablet for 28 days, she can be saved from AIDS even if she is infected with HIV, asserted Radharani.
Disclosing that the tablet is now available at RIMS and JN Hospital, she appealed to all women doubtful of their sexual partner to come to RIMS or JN Hospital for medical counselling and for the tablets if necessary.
Taking into account the high percentage of HIV infection in the State, and even in case of rape the victim should be given the NEP tablets whether it is confirmed or not that the accused is/are HIV positive, noted Radharani.
Speaking as a resource person in a training programme on HIV/AIDS at Hotel Excellency today, L Radharani dealt on 'Sex and Sexuality'.
Admitting that sexual urge is natural for mankind, she observed that even then "we must be aware of several STDs and their preventive measures.
Life threatening diseases like AIDS should never be compromised with momentary sexual pleasure," she remarked.
The programme organised by Hands Peaceful Society was also addressed by Dr K Priyokumar who presented a paper on Basic Facts of HIV/AIDS, STI, RTI, Dr RK Niranjan on Support and Care-People Living With HIV/AIDS and project manager of Hands Peaceful Society M Puspakanta on Rapid Intervention and Care.
Since the RIAC project was initiated by MACS in 1998, transmission of HIV through intravenous drug abuse has come down to 20 percent which accounted for 80 percent in the initial period, mentioned Puspakanta.