Health officials in Mizoram are worried over recent data that points to promiscuous sex among married people as one of the primary reasons behind the spread of HIV/AIDS in the northeastern state.
The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) in a recent report said 554 of the total 1,910 people living with HIV/AIDS in Mizoram were in the age group of 30-39.
How to prevent spreading of HIV infection
Encyclopedia section of medindia explains in brief about prevent spreading of HIV infection
"This is not the age group of intravenous drug users and naturally the main mode of transmission could be sex with multiple partners," said K. Ropari, project director of the Mizoram State Aids Control Society (MSACS).
The NACO report said 1,006 people living with HIV in Mizoram contracted the virus through sexual contact, while 732 people were infected due to intravenous drug use.
![Olive-pomace Oil Compound Inhibits HIV Spread]( "Olive-pomace Oil Compound Inhibits HIV Spread")
A new study has found that a compound from olive-pomace oil slows down the spread of HIV virus. Researchers from the University of Granada and Hospital Carlos III in Madrid, established
"Extramarital affairs could be the main reason behind this high figure. We have to create an awareness drive for condom acceptance," said C. Lalsangzuala, regional director of Francois Xavier Bagnoud (FXB), a charity mission working to rehabilitate people living with HIV/AIDS.
"It is evident that a wife would not approve her husband carrying a condom in his wallet, but since there is a high chance that the husband indulges in an extramarital affair there is a need for condom acceptance awareness," he added.
Other healthcare workers in the state echoed similar views.
"Condom acceptance awareness has to be encouraged among married men who are vulnerable to having sex outside marriage. The husband is not only inviting trouble for himself but also putting at risk his wife and other family members," Chawnglungmuana, medical director of the Society for Lifeline Operation in Mizoram (Shalom), an organisation working for HIV/AIDS patients.
Several healthcare groups have urged the powerful church in the Christian-dominated state to help prevent promiscuity among married people.
"I think we need to take a serious look at our society and the church also has a role to play in educating and counselling married couples," said Mahlimi Hmar of the Centre for Peace and Development in Aizawl.
Mizoram is listed as the seventh highest HIV/AIDS prevalent state in India with the northeast considered a high-risk zone.
"We may be a high-prevalence state, but we also need to highlight that Mizoram is one of the very few states in India to test blood samples. We have already tested one-third of our total 1.2 million population," Ropari said.
The Mizoram government has enlisted the support of various social organisations, including the influential Central Young Mizo Association, to spread a massive awareness drive.
"Churches, NGOs and other social organisations are working with us," Ropari said.
Source: IANS
LIN/J
Olive-pomace Oil Compound Inhibits HIV Spread
A new study has found that a compound from olive-pomace oil slows down the spread of HIV virus. Researchers from the University of Granada and Hospital Carlos III in Madrid, established
"Extramarital affairs could be the main reason behind this high figure. We have to create an awareness drive for condom acceptance," said C. Lalsangzuala, regional director of Francois Xavier Bagnoud (FXB), a charity mission working to rehabilitate people living with HIV/AIDS.
"It is evident that a wife would not approve her husband carrying a condom in his wallet, but since there is a high chance that the husband indulges in an extramarital affair there is a need for condom acceptance awareness," he added.
Other healthcare workers in the state echoed similar views.
"Condom acceptance awareness has to be encouraged among married men who are vulnerable to having sex outside marriage. The husband is not only inviting trouble for himself but also putting at risk his wife and other family members," Chawnglungmuana, medical director of the Society for Lifeline Operation in Mizoram (Shalom), an organisation working for HIV/AIDS patients.
Several healthcare groups have urged the powerful church in the Christian-dominated state to help prevent promiscuity among married people.
"I think we need to take a serious look at our society and the church also has a role to play in educating and counselling married couples," said Mahlimi Hmar of the Centre for Peace and Development in Aizawl.
Mizoram is listed as the seventh highest HIV/AIDS prevalent state in India with the northeast considered a high-risk zone.
"We may be a high-prevalence state, but we also need to highlight that Mizoram is one of the very few states in India to test blood samples. We have already tested one-third of our total 1.2 million population," Ropari said.
The Mizoram government has enlisted the support of various social organisations, including the influential Central Young Mizo Association, to spread a massive awareness drive.
"Churches, NGOs and other social organisations are working with us," Ropari said.
Source: IANS
LIN/J
CRPF Launches Helpline for Own HIV/AIDS Victims
Hit with a rising number of HIV/AIDS cases among its personnel, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has launched a toll free helpline to assist the victims
Recommended Reading
Latest AIDS/HIV News
In susceptible communities because of poverty, and racism, the effects of inadequate STI and HIV screening may be more profound.
In India, annual HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths continue to drop. Between 2010 and 2021, new HIV infections dropped by 46%.
Globally, all countries have promised to end AIDS by 2030, for which it is essential to safeguard individuals living with HIV to complete HIV care services.
How can you prevent HIV while breastfeeding? A monthly vaginal ring containing the antiretroviral drug dapivirine safely prevents HIV infection while breastfeeding.
Union Minister of State for Health Bharti Pravin Pawar had said that the government is providing free lifelong antiretroviral (ARV) medicines for people living with HIV.
