HIV prevalence low in TN, focus on vulnerable populations: Director of Public Health

CHENNAI: As the state government has set a target to achieve 95 per cent of all people living with HIV should have a diagnosis, the experts note that the focus should be on vulnerable populations.

According to WHO, the target has been set to reach 95 per cent of people with HIV getting lifelong antiretroviral treatment and 95 per cent of people living with HIV on treatment should achieve a suppressed viral load for the health benefits and to curb HIV transmission.

On account of World AIDS Day, the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine Dr TS Selvavinayagam stated that the current focus concerning the reduction of HIV transmission is to educate, prevent, test, and treat. For this purpose, we have Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) at the upgraded primary health centre level, and appropriate treatment is provided free of cost in the ART centres for the beneficiaries.

He stated that HIV remains a global public health issue and with consistent efforts the HIV prevalence in Tamil Nadu has reduced to 0.16 per cent. However, we need to continue making efforts to focus on the key and vulnerable populations.

HIV can be transmitted through body fluids, including blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal secretions, from people living with HIV. HIV can also be transmitted to a child during pregnancy and delivery. Therefore, the State Health Department ensures all pregnant mothers are tested for HIV to prevent the transmission of infection to the baby.

However, people cannot become infected with HIV through ordinary day-to-day contact such as shaking hands - sharing personal food and water, etc. The usage of condoms, change in high-risk behaviour, and pre-exposure prophylaxis are essential for prevention. He urged to speak against stigma and discrimination and reach the vulnerable populations for appropriate care.