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AIDS Epidemic Statistics Could Be More Than Portrayed Figures

by Savitha C Muppala on Aug 16 2008 3:29 PM

During the 17th International AIDS conference in Mexico City, expert epidemiologists contested India’s improved HIV/AIDS epidemic statistics.

According to epidemiologists, there has been growing proof of new high risk communities comprising of transgenders, homosexual men and migrant workers, who pose a formidable threat to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Dr Geoffrey P Garnett, professor at Imperial College, UK said, "It is wrong to believe that the epidemic has stabilised. What has happened is that new infections equal deaths, so it seems that the numbers have plateaued."

The existing data comprises statistics pertaining to sex workers and intravenous drug users; the prevalence of infection among susceptible groups like migrant labourers, and homosexuals are still unclear.

Nearly 22 million men have sex with men and are under high risk category.  The government needs to focus on these groups to achieve progress in their fight against HIV/AIDS.

Source-Medindia
SAV/L


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