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Dr. Vinito L Chishi speaking during the programme. (EM Images)[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, July 27 (EMN): In what can be termed as an alarming revelation, the consultant of Legislators’ Forum of Aids (LFA), Dr. Vinito L Chishi, through a report about district-wise on HIV scenario as of April 2006 to May 2018, showed that Dimapur had 1, 88,166 people tested out of which 9,694 were positive giving in a percentage of 5.15%, which is the highest in the list of districts in Nagaland.
Dr. Chishi was giving the presentation as the speaker during a social awareness day about human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (Aids) on Friday at Trinity Theological College at Thahekhu village in Dimapur.
According to the report, Tuensang has the second highest HIV positive; among a total of 1, 08,419 people tested, 2,748 were positive and a percentage of 2.53%. Kohima, being the third highest, had 1, 30,951 people tested where 3,311 were positive giving in a percentage of 2.52%. Mon being the least with 90,048 people tested out of which 200 were positive and a percentage of 0.22%.
The report showed that 10, 46,767 adults participated in blood screening out of which 23,491 were HIV positive. For children below 14 years, 32,358 appeared for blood screening out of which 999 were HIV positive.
Dr. Chishi also showed various statistical reports about Nagaland HIV and AIDS scenario. Based on National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) technical report of May 2018, Nagaland HIV prevalence rate among adults was 0.46 % and general population prevalence rate of 0.82% based on National AIDS Commission, HIV sentinel surveillance 2014–15 report.
An age wise distribution of HIV in Nagaland showed that the age group of 14 years are account for 6%; 15 % for 15–24 years; while 73% for 25–49 years; and 6% for the age group of 50 years.
Likewise, a report about routes of HIV transmission based from the Strategic Information Management System source of April 2016 to May 2017 was also shown. Sexual route had the highest route rate with 90%, 6% from parent to child route, 1% from needle and syringes, 0% from blood to blood, and 3% from unknown route.
Dr. Chishi also listed that sex workers, gay men, migrants, refugees, and transgender are more likely to be affected by HIV. He affirmed that by 2020, there will be no new HIV infection and stigma towards HIV and AIDS will be eradicated.
Also, a member of LFA, Hukatoli Chophi, imparted the benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART).
According to Chophi, ART are medications that treat HIV. The drugs do not kill or cure the virus. However, when taken in combination they can prevent the growth of the virus. When the virus is slowed down, HIV disease slows down too.
In proportion to this, Dr. Chishi report showed records of ART from 2004 till May 2018. It showed a registered number of 17,301 in ATC centre with death of 1561 patients on ART. It also showed that 7,436 patients are alive and on ART, including children.
She also clarified the society’s misconception towards HIV and AIDS victims saying that they should be treated like a normal citizen.
Chophi disclosed that Manipur has the highest levels of HIV and AIDS prevalence in the Northeast region, Manipur being the second, and Nagaland being the third. She averred that during the past the disease in America was spread by gay man; while in India by sex workers; and Nagaland through injecting drug users.
Furthermore, she enumerated that failure of religious institution, poverty, inactive role of law and order, high prevalence of stigma and discrimination, and unemployment were the main causes of the spread of HIV and AIDS in the present. She advised the audience to take note of the precautions and encouraged them to possess the image of a Christian leader.
Earlier, Dr. Chishi said that, ‘the best place to pass on information about social awareness is through the church platform.’
According to him, since 2013 October, the forum has been deciding that social awareness about HIV and AIDS awareness should be planned through churches as it serves as a resource for groups and individuals. He stated that the funds donated through the churches can also support the HIV patients.