J&K reckons with a new threat

By Shujaat Bukhari

JAMMU, DEC. 1. Already reeling under an unending strife which has claimed thousands of innocent lives so far, the people of Jammu and Kashmir will have to reckon with the threat of AIDS, the deadly disease for which the only cure is prevention. So far 293 persons have been tested HIV positive in Jammu and Kashmir and the awareness campaign has picked up momentum.

On World AIDS Day, the State Government launched a massive programme on creating awareness among people. The State Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mian Altaf Ahmed, flagged off a well-attended rally organised by the State AIDS Prevention and Control Society.

The Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, in his message said, ``I appeal to the medical fraternity and the people to focus attention on awareness of the disease and its devastating effect on family and society and help to eradicate the scourge.''

Though the chances of AIDS spreading in the State are seen as less for many reasons - a different social set-up and minimum level of contacts - the facts are startling. According to officials in the health department, so far 293 cases have been detected as HIV positive, with 80 cases this year alone. But more cannot be ruled out, since the stigma associated with the disease makes the affected not come forward for tests.

In order to curb the menace the Government set up the AIDS Control and Preventive Society in January 1999. It has a target of five years and has been conducting awareness programmes in industrial areas and schools. In the Jammu province alone, it has roped in over 55 NGOs for assistance.

Under the three-month sentinel survey launched by the society, the GMC Jammu and Gandhi Nagar Hospital have collected 500 samples from August to October. Most of the cases were detected during ante-natal check-ups.

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