HIV among IDUs highest in Punjab
Source: The Sangai Express / Agencies
Chandigarh, November 17 2012:
A recent countrywide report by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) has revealed that the prevalence of HIV among injection drug users of India is highest in Punjab, leaving behind Manipur which had held the much maligned spot for 26 years.
According to the report, HIV positive persons among the injection drug users (IDUs) in Punjab are 21.02% against the national average of 7.2%.In Manipur, the prevalence rate is 17%.The report, which has an endorsement by Punjab's own AIDS Control Society run by the health department, says: "Although the main HIV transmission route continues to be sexual, HIV positivity among IDUs too has emerged as a major
concern for the state" .