Rayagada: AIDS has turned a big time killer in Rayagada district claiming 35 lives in the past three years.
According to government reports, 35 died after AIDS. But, it is suspected that the number may be more as per non-governmental reports. Awareness and prevention drives and treatment provided to HIV+ people have been ineffective in the tribal district.
Although crores of rupees were spent on checking AIDS, the disease is still on the rampage here.
Official records indicate that blood samples of 1.21 lakh people were tested between 2003 and 2018. Of this, 940 tested HIV positive. Among them, 35 have died so far and the others are battling for life, the report said.
The HIV is spreading in certain pockets here. Official sources said most of the affected persons picked up the virus while working in other states.
On the other hand, even though HIV+ people are entitled to facilities like government housing, monthly pension, free medicines and travel allowance, there are allegations that most of the HIV infected people are unable to get them.
Fear of social ostracism haunts HIV+ individuals and they do not come forward to accept what is being given to them. Many people refuse to reveal their infection status, and HIV infected children are leading miserable lives.
A sad fact is that many AIDS patients are unaware of the facilities provided to them. Social activists said HIV infected people do not know their rights properly.
The pace at which AIDS is claiming lives is alarming. Only awareness can help in checking the disease, Rayagada Additional Chief District Medical Officer BLN Prusty said.
PNN