The cases of HIV/AIDS are increasing with each passing year in Jammu Kashmir, as a total of 6,995 patients have tested positive in the region from 1998 until October 2024.
A top health official informed the news agency that 1,569 HIV-positive patients have died since 1998 until October 2024, while 3,814 patients are living on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). He added that 406 patients have left follow-up.
The health official stated that 5,379 cases of HIV have been reported at GMC Jammu, and among them, 1,372 have died, 336 have left follow-up, and 2,882 are living on ART.
Similarly, at SKIMS Srinagar, the number of such patients till October 2024 is 851, with 33 deaths, 39 leaving follow-up, and 536 living on ART, he added.
In ART Kathua, the number of patients registered in HIV care is 465, with 38 deaths, 31 leaving follow-up, and 396 living on ART.
The officials highlighted that due to social stigma, many people aren’t coming forward for HIV tests, and over the years, the number of patients infected has shown a rising trend.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By damaging the immune system, HIV interferes with the body’s ability to fight infection and disease.
HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and can also be spread through contact with infected blood or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, as well as multi-person usage of needles. Without medication, it may take years before HIV weakens the immune system to the point of developing AIDS.
Officials said that a person suffering from AIDS is unfortunately often regarded as a stigma in society, and such individuals become victims of ostracism, rejection, and discrimination.
Most patients testing positive for HIV/AIDS in J&K have contracted the disease from outside the UT. “Drug addicts are at a higher risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, and if they are married or sexually active, they can transmit the virus to their partners as well,” they said.
The AIDS Project Cell was reconstituted as the JAMMU & KASHMIR AIDS CONTROL SOCIETY (JKSACS), registered under the Jammu & Kashmir Societies Registration Act, with effect from 14TH December 1998, to address the problem of AIDS more effectively.
Meanwhile, the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society observed World AIDS Day 2024 on December 2, under the global theme “Take the rights path: My health, my right!.” This event brought together medical professionals, policymakers and students to renew their commitment to combating HIV/AIDS through awareness, education, and action.
As per a statement issued to KNO, the commemoration was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar, who emphasized the importance of sustained efforts in prevention, early detection, and treatment.
The program featured a scientific session with renowned experts addressing the various facets of HIV infection and shared insights into the latest advancements in HIV/AIDS research, focused deliberations on high risk groups, treatment and counselling, and the importance of community engagement in eradicating the disease.
Prof.(Dr.) S.Muhammad. Salim Khan, Head of the Department Community Medicine, delivered the keynote address. Prof. (Dr.) M. Iqbal Pandit, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar highlighted the global scenario of HIV/AIDS and Imtiyaz Khan, Assistant Director, Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society presented the local scenario.
Dr. Lateef Charoo, In-charge ART centre, SKIMS, delivered a comprehensive lecture on the role of antiretroviral therapy and counselling.
Dr. Fazle Roub, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry addressed the role of the current substance use epidemic in the spread of AIDS. Dr. Khalid Bashir, Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, shared the results of original research conducted by the Department of Community Medicine, GMC, Srinagar.
Undergraduate students from Government Medical College, Srinagar and SKIMS Medical College and Hospital, Bemina, showcased their creativity through posters reflecting different aspects of the disease burden and global efforts to tackle the same.
The event also included an inter- departmental and inter-institutional quiz competition conducted among post-graduate students from departments of Community Medicine, Microbiology, Medicine Government Medical College, Srinagar as well as Department of Community Medicine, SKIMS, Soura. Dr. Glory Eric, Dr. Sumaira Farooq and Dr. Muneeb Shah from the Department of Community Medicine, SKIMS, Soura emerged the winners of the quiz competition.
Madiha Manzoor, Bilqueesa, Syed Rimsha and Tahira Wanan bagged 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions respectively in the poster competition which was judged by Prof. (Dr.) Asifa Nazir,Head of the Department, Microbiology and Prof. (Dr.) Sheema Sheikh, Department of Pathology.
Dr. Shahroz Nabi and Dr. Heena, Senior Residents, Department of Community Medicine and Dr. Farheen, PG scholar, members Organising Committee ensured smooth conduction of the event. Organising secretaries for the event Dr. Kouser Sideeq, Dr. Sameena Yousuf and Dr. Rifat Jan, Assistant Professors, Department of Community Medicine reiterated the commitment of Government Medical College, Srinagar, towards building a future free of AIDS through collaborative efforts in healthcare, education, and advocacy—(KNO)