HIV cases dipping, stigma major hurdle: Dr Jupiter
Source: Chronicle News Service / Sonia Sorensangbam

Imphal, November 30 2024: Manipur has made notable progress in checking HIV prevalence rate in recent years, although it remains one of the top three states in India with the highest rate of infection, after Mizoram and Nagaland.

According to the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) 2023 factsheet, the HIV prevalence rate in Manipur among the 18 to 49 age group has decreased from 0.98 in 2022 to 0.87 in 2023, following an increase from 0.97 in 2021 to 0.98 in 2022.This decline in 2023 reflects ongoing efforts in prevention and awareness.

While Mizoram has highest prevalence rate at 2.76, followed by Nagaland at 1.37, the recent improvement in the case of Manipur is a positive sign in the fight against HIV.

In an exclusive interview with The People's Chronicle, Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) deputy Director Dr Sanasam Jupiter discussed the state's progress in the fight against HIV, noting a significant increase in public awareness.

However, he mentioned that stigma and discrimination related to HIV remain major obstacles in the battle against the virus.

According to the NACO 2023 factsheet, the estimated number of people living with HIV in Manipur stands at 24,472, compared to 25,000 in 2022.Reflecting the efforts made by MACS through various intervention programmes, Dr Jupiter said that around 14,000 people living with HIV are enrolled for Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) across 11 ART centres across the state.

These individuals are receiving free ART medication.

Anyone diagnosed with HIV should begin ART immediately to ensure a healthy life.

Additionally, around 600 children living with HIV are currently receiving ART services, he informed.

Regarding the prevention of mother-to-child transmission, Dr Jupiter explained that efforts are on under the Elimination of Vertical Transmission of HIV and Syphilis (EVTHS) programme to curb the transmission and advised expectant mothers to get screened for HIV during their antenatal check-ups, as early detection and intervention can prevent the transmission of HIV to the child during childbirth.

On the upcoming 37th World AIDS Day on December 1, he shared that Manipur State AIDS Control Society will observe the day under the theme "Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!" .

In addition to the main observance, different events will organised at district level under the guidance of district AIDS control officers and chief medical officers.

The deputy director also high lighted the importance of contributing to the global goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.3 .

He said that achieving this target requires concerted efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, particularly in educational institutions, workplaces and while accessing social welfare schemes.

Dr Jupiter also called for greater respect for human rights as a critical component in this effort, while highlighting the need for a more inclusive and supportive environment for those affected by HIV .

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