Gangtok: The numbers of HIV positives has been increasing at an alarming rate in Sikkim. There are at present 78 HIV positives among whom 55 are males and 23 females. The number of full blown AIDS has reached 27, 21 males and 6 females, according to the latest information.This was revealed by Dr. Passang Tamang, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer to Sikkim State Aids Control Society (SSACS). Amongst the 78 HIV positives, 28 have been reported to SSACS while 8 are under treatment and remaining is either dead or untraced. The 8 HIV positives under treatment have been given anti-retroviral drugs which suppresses the viral replication of HIV. The data also revealed that the maximum of 52 HIV cases have been transmitted sexually. Two HIV positive male are aged between 0-14 years, the data points out.Speaking to Sikkim Reporter, Dr. Namgyal T Sherpa, Project Director of SSACS stated that it has an Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre (ICTC) at STNM Hospital where blood samples are tested to check the HIV status of a person. The data has been compiled after conducting targeted intervention programmes by various NGOs for the specific and high risk groups including inter-venal drug users (IVDUs), commercial sex workers, truckers and migrant laborers. The report of the blood test kept confidential to keep secret the identity of the HIV positives. Any person can visit ICTC voluntarily to check their HIV status which is kept secret and confidential, it was informed. Dr. Passang further informed that after collection of blood samples from the targeted groups, it is tested and forwarded for further analysis. Thereafter, the analyzed infected blood samples are again forwarded to other quality test centre outside Sikkim for final confirmation after which the data of HIV positives is prepared, he said. The test is conducted by expert and professional doctors very carefully to avoid any deviation, Dr. Passang added. Dr. Namgyal informed that SSACS conducts regular general intervention programmes for the general public to create awareness among mass and to impart other important facts regarding HIV Aids. Targeted intervention programmes in support of various NGOs at regular intervals are conducted for targeted and most specific and high risk groups like commercial sex workers, IVDUs, truckers and migrant laborers. They have been identified as the most active and risky groups through which HIV Aids is transmitted. He also informed that 8 HIV positives having opportunistic infections are being treated with anti-Retroviral drugs free of cost. An anti-retroviral drug suppresses the viral replication of HIV and stabilizes the immune system of human body. Dr. Namgyal further informed that SSACS is successful till date in creating awareness among the people of Sikkim. Our State is not in a worrying situation in regard to epidemic of HIV Aids in comparison to other States of India, he informed. To create awareness and support the general mass regarding safe sex, SSACS has put up 5 condoms vending machines at Vajra Cinema Hall, Kanchenjunga Shopping Plaza, SNT complex, Private Bus Stand and Old Children Park at Tibet Road
