Punjab Grapples with Alarming Rise in HIV Cases: 116% Increase in Annual Infections in 13 Years

Chandigarh: Punjab, already battling the scourge of drug addiction, is now facing a new and daunting challenge - a rapid surge in HIV/AIDS cases. According to the latest statistics, the state has witnessed a staggering 116.69% rise in annual new infections between 2010 and 2023, a trend that starkly contrasts with the declining infection rates observed at the national level during the same period.

The alarming increase in HIV cases has prompted authorities to implement a holistic approach and targeted interventions to effectively control the transmission of the virus and provide essential support to those affected. One of the primary contributors to the spread of HIV in the state is the sharing of needles and syringes among injecting drug users. Additionally, the virus can be transmitted through sexual contact, blood, and from mother to infant.

The National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) has compiled a factsheet on HIV estimates for 2023, which reveals that a total of 9,103 new HIV infections were reported in Punjab last year. This represents the fourth-highest percentage change in annual new HIV infections in the country, with Tripura topping the list at 524%, followed by Arunachal Pradesh at 469.84%, and Meghalaya at 124.70%. In contrast, the national average has seen a decline of 44.23% in annual new HIV infections during the same period.

The HIV incidence per 1,000 uninfected population in Punjab was recorded at 0.30, significantly higher than the all-India average of 0.05. The incidence rate in neighboring states of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana was 0.03 and 0.10, respectively. Unfortunately, Punjab also recorded the highest AIDS-related mortality rate per lakh population in the region, with 566 infected persons succumbing to the virus in 2023, a 41.50% increase over the 13-year period from 2010 to 2023.

Currently, 1,05,791 people are living with HIV in Punjab, with 0.42% of them falling in the age group of 15-19 years. In comparison, the national prevalence of HIV among 15-19-year-olds stands at 0.20%. Without proper treatment and care, a woman living with HIV can pass the virus to her baby, highlighting the need for effective vertical transmission prevention measures. In Punjab, only 34 services are available for this purpose, compared to 513 in Haryana and 1,027 required for elimination.

To combat the spread of HIV, dedicated clinics have been set up at district and sub-district hospitals, as well as government medical colleges. Targeted interventions are being implemented through non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for high-risk groups, including female sex workers, gay men, injecting drug users, migrants, and truckers. These services include behavior change communication, condom promotion, STI care, referrals to HIV testing and anti-retroviral treatment, and harm reduction programs, including opioid substitution treatment.

Over 72 targeted interventions and seven link worker schemes are currently operational in the state, covering nearly 20,000 female sex workers, about 5,000 gay men, 26,000 injecting drug users, 32,000 migrants, and 16,000 truckers.

Historical Context:

Punjab, a state in northern India, has been grappling with the issue of drug addiction for several years. In 2019, the state government launched a campaign to tackle drug addiction, which has been ongoing since then. The state has also been working to improve its healthcare infrastructure and provide better medical facilities to its citizens.

In 2010, the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) launched the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in India. The program aimed to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS, improve access to treatment, and provide support to those affected. Since then, the program has been implemented in various states, including Punjab.

The rise in HIV cases in Punjab is a cause for concern, as it is a significant departure from the declining trend observed at the national level. The state’s high incidence rate and mortality rate are also alarming, highlighting the need for effective interventions to control the spread of the virus.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Punjab has witnessed a staggering 116.69% rise in annual new HIV infections between 2010 and 2023, a trend that contrasts with the declining infection rates observed at the national level. • The state has reported a total of 9,103 new HIV infections in 2023, with an incidence rate of 0.30 per 1,000 uninfected population, significantly higher than the all-India average of 0.05. • Punjab has the highest AIDS-related mortality rate per lakh population in the region, with 566 infected persons succumbing to the virus in 2023, a 41.50% increase over the 13-year period. • 1,05,791 people are living with HIV in Punjab, with 0.42% of them falling in the age group of 15-19 years, higher than the national prevalence of 0.20%. • Dedicated clinics have been set up at district and sub-district hospitals, as well as government medical colleges, to provide treatment and care to those affected. • Targeted interventions are being implemented through non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for high-risk groups, including female sex workers, gay men, injecting drug users, migrants, and truckers. • Over 72 targeted interventions and seven link worker schemes are currently operational in the state, covering nearly 20,000 female sex workers, about 5,000 gay men, 26,000 injecting drug users, 32,000 migrants, and 16,000 truckers. • The state has only 34 services available for vertical transmission prevention measures, compared to 513 in Haryana and 1,027 required for elimination.