According to estimates of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW) and the National Institute of Medical Statistics (NIMS), India had 2 to 3.1 million people infected with HIV and AIDS. If an average figure is taken, this comes to 2.5 million people living with HIV and AIDS; almost 50 per cent of the previous estimate of 5.2 million.
More men are HIV positive than women. Nationally, the prevalence rate for adult females is 0.29 per cent, while for males it is 0.43 percent. This means that for every 100 people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHAs), 61 are men and 39 women. Prevalence is also high in the 15-49 age group (88.7 per cent of all infections), indicating that AIDS still threatens the cream of society, those in the prime of their working life.
While adult HIV prevalence among the general population is 0.36 percent, high-risk groups, inevitably, show higher numbers. Among Injecting Drug Users (IDUs), it is as high as 8.71 per cent, while it is 5.69 per cent and 5.38 per cent among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and Female Sex Workers (FSWs), respectively.
The current and third phase of National AIDS Control Program (NACP-III) lays emphasis on targeted interventions for high-risk groups, preventive interventions among the general population, and involvement of NGOs and other sectors and line departments, such as education, transport and police.
GSS is one of the many NGOs in Uttar Pradesh working in HIV/AIDS sector with the support of Uttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (UPSACS) in HIV/AIDS sector. This (2008-09) year is fourth year of intervention and targets have varied during these four years.
Target Population over the Years
Sl. |
Year |
Particulars |
Numbers |
1. |
2005-06 |
Truckers |
10000 |
2. |
2006-07 |
FSWs |
222 |
|
|
MSM |
140 |
|
|
Truckers |
1876 |
3. |
2007-08 |
FSWs |
338 |
|
|
MSM |
329 |
4. |
2008-09 |
FSWs |
300 |
|
|
MSM |
300 |
The main focus of interventions is on bringing about behavioural change among the target group people through BCC activities. Information is being disseminated among the target group people through one to one contact, one to group contact, group discussion and use of folk media. Services provided include quality STI services, prevention of sexual infections, provision of condoms, etc.
In February 2008, GSS has launched Umang Community Care Centre. PLHA are being provided care and support through this centre.
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A view of health camp organised as a part of targeted intervention
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