With focus on ‘next generation’ the Himachal Pradesh (HP) State AIDS Control Society is reaching out to pregnant women for HIV screening up to sub-centre level across the state.
“If we are able to screen the pregnant women in first trimester and start medication, it reduces the risk of transmission of HIV to the child from 40 per cent to less than five per cent.

We have already given training for HIV testing to staff at the level of health sub-centres, as pregnant woman in villages visit them the first,” State Programme Officer, HPSACS, Dr Rajesh Thakur told The Statesman.

Dr Thakur said by 31 March, 2,500 health institutions from hospitals to sub-centres will have the facility of HIV screening. “This will be a milestone in checking transmission of HIV to next generation,” he said.

The rural state of HP has a large remote area. However, the institutional deliveries in the state are over 75 per cent. The prevalence of HIV in HP is low, at 0.12 per cent against national figure of 0.26 per cent. The tribal areas of the state, particularly, Lahaul Spiti, is hitherto untouched, with not a single case occurring there.

In numbers, around 4,500 persons infected with HIV are registered with the HPSACS. The projected figure is 5,700, with high prevalence in border districts of Kangra, Hamirpur, Solan etc.
Among HIV positive persons, 40 per cent are women, 50 per cent males and 6-10 per cent children.

HIV infection is passed through sexual route in 90 per cent cases. The first HIV case in HP was detected in Hamirpur in 1992. There are around 11,000 persons in the high risk group for HIV in HP.

However, there has been 70 per cent decline in new HIV infections country wide from 2000-2015, so in HP, the HPSACS is paying much attention towards the children infected and affected by HIV.

Official sources said there are over 1,600 HIV affected children in HP, out of which 415 are HIV infected. “The government recently launched a nutrition scheme for the HIV infected children. They need nutritional supplements as they are mostly from poor families and the medicinal dose for them is very high. We have started giving 100 grams of Milkfed Panjiri per day to around 115 such children and will reach out to others one by one,” said an official.

Besides, the community leadership programme for the HIV infected children has also yielded results. The HIV affected children are given financial support of Rs 300 to 800 per month by government for their needs.

“Some of the HIV positive children between 15-18 years have become good community leaders and are out positive speakers now. They have been interacting with people on the issue, spreading knowledge and caution,” the officials said.

While Gunjan organisation for community development has done a major work in facilitating people living with HIV, there are 18 NGOs, which are working with high risk groups in HP.