HIV prevalence high among injecting drug users in Assam

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Assam has seen a significant increase in seizures of drugs in recent times. Drug abuse is rampant among youths. While this in itself is a matter of concern, another worrying fact is that people who inject drugs face an increased risk of HIV transmission.

In Assam, HIV infections are spreading, especially among IDUs (Injecting Drug Users). The percentage of HIV prevalence is highest among IDUs in Assam- 11.24%. This is higher than the all-India percentage of 9.03%. Sharing needles and syringes for injecting drugs has become an important factor in increasing HIV transmission in Assam. In the last five years, a total of 12,679 HIV cases have been detected in the State. Significantly, the HIV cases are increasing every year and there has been a rapid increase in HIV cases in the last two years. Frequent HIV testing has resulted in a higher rate of detection of HIV cases. HIV prevalence is highest in Kamrup (metro), Cachar, Dibrugarh and Nagaon districts, while it is lowest in the South Salmara Mankachar district (no case), followed by Majuli with seven cases.

According to a report, HIV prevalence among different sub-population groups in Assam is higher than the national prevalence. For example, HIV prevalence among males having sex with males (MSM) is 3.61% in Assam while the national prevalence is 3.26%. HIV prevalence among long-distance truckers in Assam is 2.12%, which is higher than the national prevalence in this group - 1%. HIV prevalence among single male migrants is estimated to be 3.21% in Assam and 0.89% in the country. HIV prevalence among prison inmates is 2.01% in Assam and 1.93% in the country.

Thus, in almost every sub-population group, the HIV prevalence rate in Assam is higher than the national rate. And these are only the detected cases. A large number of HIV cases go undetected. The Assam Government has declared a war on drugs. But besides launching a crackdown on drug peddlers and smugglers, the government must take steps to tackle the menace of illicit drug use and subsequent addiction to drugs among people, especially youngsters. Unless this happens, HIV infections will increase sharply.

Drug rehabilitation centres have a crucial role to play in reducing drug abuse. But the fact that many private drug rehabilitation centres are operating without proper guidelines is doing more damage to the cause than good. The Assam Government had announced that it would come up with a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate the rehabilitation and de-addiction centres in the State, which would help in monitoring their functioning. However, no SOP has been announced as yet.

Recently, a drug addict in a drug rehabilitation centre at Kahilipara in Guwahati died due to the alleged negligence of the caretaker. This centre was running without proper permission from the authorities concerned. In the absence of proper guidelines and regulations, many private drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centres are in a pathetic condition.

Also Read:  Principal Secretary Health Avinash Joshi Urges on HIV and Drug Use Awareness

Also Watch: