HYDERABAD: One in every five men having casual sex, seven per cent of youth suffering from sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) and low condom use were among the factors fuelling HIV epidemic in the State.

A vast network of State and National Highways, about 65 per cent of sex workers in other parts of the country hailing from the State and HIV patients getting tested only when the disease became symptomatic were some other aspects causing an increase in HIV epidemic, according to T.L.N.Prasad, Technical Manager, Family Health International.

Making a presentation on `HIV/AIDS scenario in rural Andhra Pradesh' at a national seminar on ` Revitalising rural healthcare in India' on Monday, he said there was not much urban-rural difference in the spread of the epidemic across the State. While there was slight preponderance in rural areas in Telangana and Rayalaseema, it was almost same in "coastal corridor". Interestingly, Dr. Prasad said literacy did not seem to help reduce risk of HIV.

Data collected from integrated counselling and testing centres between January and September, was similar to the sentinel survey conducted earlier which showed that the epidemic was concentrated in the coastal belt. He stressed the importance of providing care to HIV patients, inducing and sustaining behavioural change.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail