Karnataka has 2.5 lakh HIV positive people

BANGALORE: The HIV prevalence rate among the general population has reduced from 1.5 per cent in 2004 to 0.74 per cent in 2010, states the ANC HSS (Ante Natal Clinic HIV Sentinel Surveillance) 2010 estimates. Karnataka has 2.5 lakh HIV positive people, out of which 65,053 eligible patients are receiving ART (Anti Retroviral Therapy) medicines. Among six high prevalence states, Karnataka ranks fifth among the states most affected by HIV.However, with the declining global funding,  the state government is chipping in to curb HIV in the state.“Though the global fund projects like Clinton foundation, Samratham have stopped giving funds, we are looking for sustained funds to avoid disruptions of the ongoing programme,” said Dr M Naina Rani, deputy director of PPTCT-NRHM integration Karntaka State AIDS Prevention Society.Speaking about the affects on the survival of HIV positive people network, Saroja Puthran, president, Karnataka Network of HIV positive people said that with the halting of the global funds, the outreach and capacity building programs will be affected in the state.  She also appealed to the government to provide nutrition for HIV positive people.  “Government is providing ART medicine which is a boost to their immunity but at the same time there is an urgent need for nutrition as these drugs are highly toxic,” she added.Health Secretary E V Ramana Reddy launched the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society’s 42-day campaign, ‘Onde Hejje’ (Just one step) on Monday. The campaign will begin on the World AIDS Day on December 1 and will be held in all the districts till January 12, the National Youth Day.