'HIV/AIDS patients healthy due to ART'

As many as 3,695 people suffering from HIV/AIDS are not only alive but are also leading a healthy life due to Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) regimen, said District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Rohini on Thursday.

"The ART centers in Karkala, Kundapur and Udupi are providing second line treatment to the patients. There is one blood bank recognized by NACO (National Aids Control Organisation). The percentage people affected by HIV/AIDS, among general public, is 0.58% (until October in 2018), when compared to 0.51 in 2017-18. It is 0.02% among the pregnant women,'' She told media persons ahead of World AIDS Day programme being planned at SMS Pre-University College in Brahmavar on December 1.

The District In-charge Minister Jayamala will inaugurate the programme. A huge jatha will be organised on the occasion.

She added that that 1,014 were listed on ART death and presently 5,468 were in the pre-ART registration list. As many as 35,737 were tested for HIV, of which 210 were tested positive untill October in 2018.

As many as 11,464 pregnant women were tested for HIV of which three were tested positive for the infection. She said 3 standalone ICTS ( integrated counseling and testing centers) were working in Udupi district. ART is available in all PHCs/ CHCs/Taluk hospitals/District hospitals and few private hospitals including KMC Manipal.

In ICTS, patients were being tested for HIV. She added awareness campaigns were being conducted and 35 red ribbon clubs were organised in colleges.