Shocking 37% of HIV Cases in Odisha Are Among Youths: Urgent Call for Awareness |
Bhubaneswar: The state reported 63,437 HIV positive cases and 12,629 deaths from the infection in the period from 2002 till Oct this year, according to data from the Odisha State AIDS Control Society (OSACS). Out of the total cases, 23,471 (37%) are youths.
Attending a programme organised by OSACS on World AIDS Day here on Sunday, health minister Mukesh Mahaling called for widespread public awareness and a commitment to end the epidemic of HIV/AIDS by 2030. “If students become aware of the causes and prevention of HIV, society will become more informed, enabling us to completely combat AIDS,” he added.
He also highlighted the importance of supporting the rights of all patients and urged everyone to pledge that no one, whether infected or suspected of infection, should be deprived of their rights.
Health secretary Aswathy S said that AIDS cases are present in all districts. She pointed out that while AIDS patients face societal discrimination, other patients only battle their illnesses, making their problems more daunting. She also advocated for increased awareness through students. She said 528 people died of HIV infection last year, while 317 deaths have been reported this year. The state has 20 ART centres and 19 link ART centres for the treatment of people with HIV, she added.
As many as 50,784 cases are registered at different anti-retroviral therapy (ART) centres for people living with HIV. Govt is providing free healthcare services and social support to them. Till Oct this year, 1.02 crore blood samples were tested for HIV. Around 10 lakh samples were tested in 2024-25 till the end of Oct.
During the event, OSACS launched its website and newsletter. “Districts like Ganjam, Khurda and Balasore were recognised for involving most villages in a two-month awareness programme sponsored by the National AIDS Control Organisation (Naco),” said Santosh Kumar Swain, project director of OSACS.
“The day was marked by various competitions organised by Red Ribbon clubs in collaboration with Red Cross in 700 colleges and 800 schools across the state. Blood donation drives were conducted at Ayushman Arogya Kendras in all districts,” said Swain.
One can dial the toll-free number 1097 to get information about HIV-related issues.
Attending a programme organised by OSACS on World AIDS Day here on Sunday, health minister Mukesh Mahaling called for widespread public awareness and a commitment to end the epidemic of HIV/AIDS by 2030. “If students become aware of the causes and prevention of HIV, society will become more informed, enabling us to completely combat AIDS,” he added.
He also highlighted the importance of supporting the rights of all patients and urged everyone to pledge that no one, whether infected or suspected of infection, should be deprived of their rights.
Health secretary Aswathy S said that AIDS cases are present in all districts. She pointed out that while AIDS patients face societal discrimination, other patients only battle their illnesses, making their problems more daunting. She also advocated for increased awareness through students. She said 528 people died of HIV infection last year, while 317 deaths have been reported this year. The state has 20 ART centres and 19 link ART centres for the treatment of people with HIV, she added.
As many as 50,784 cases are registered at different anti-retroviral therapy (ART) centres for people living with HIV. Govt is providing free healthcare services and social support to them. Till Oct this year, 1.02 crore blood samples were tested for HIV. Around 10 lakh samples were tested in 2024-25 till the end of Oct.
During the event, OSACS launched its website and newsletter. “Districts like Ganjam, Khurda and Balasore were recognised for involving most villages in a two-month awareness programme sponsored by the National AIDS Control Organisation (Naco),” said Santosh Kumar Swain, project director of OSACS.
“The day was marked by various competitions organised by Red Ribbon clubs in collaboration with Red Cross in 700 colleges and 800 schools across the state. Blood donation drives were conducted at Ayushman Arogya Kendras in all districts,” said Swain.
One can dial the toll-free number 1097 to get information about HIV-related issues.
