One-Third of HIV Positive Cases in Odisha Are from Ganjam Dist

Bhubaneswar: Ganjam district continues to be the major hub of HIV infection in Odisha.

According to the official information, since 1988, a total of 60,886 HIV positive persons have been detected in Odisha. As the number of active cases in Odisha is below 50,000, the state is under the low-prevalence category, while states like Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh are in the high-prevalence category.

As per an estimate, every year around 3000 to 5000 new HIV-positive cases are being reported in Odisha. Out of them around 33 per cent are from the Ganjam district. Cuttack stands second in the HIV infection prevalence in Odisha.

At present 47390 HIV-positive persons are registered in Odisha to receive anti-retrovirus therapy (ART).

Odisha State AIDS Awareness Control Committee with the help of NACO, is conducting awareness programmes in the State since 2004.

World AIDS Day is observed on December 1 to unite people in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Till now more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS related illnesses throughout the world. As per an estimate, there are around 38 million HIV-positive people in the world.