Needle pushers trump sex workers

Compared to the latter, rate of infection is on rise among intravenous drug users in Delhi

Compared to the latter, rate of infection is on rise among intravenous drug users in Delhi

Perceptions do change and at times for the worse.
In last five years, while the cases of Commercial Sex Workers (CSW) getting infected with HIV virus has gone down, it has shot up drastically among intravenous drug users (one who share a common needle to inject narcotics directly into their blood stream).


Representative photo

According to the statistics provided by Delhi State AIDS Control Society (DSACS), the prevalence rate of HIV infection among sex workers has gone down to 0.7 per cent to 0.8 per cent. Five years ago the same figure was about two per cent and above. Though sex workers in the city have benefitted from the several schemes run by the state government, a new highly vulnerable group has emerged as per the trends. The prevalence rate among the drug users has gone up to seven per cent from 2.64 per cent in year 2007.

Among the cases of MSM, the infection rate has declined compared to its dramatic rise a few years ago. "It has gone down from 10 per cent to five per cent and it is pretty much under control," said Dr AK Gupta, additional project director, DSACS.

The IV Drug users are considered the most vulnerable lot of the society and they constitute the biggest chunk of the High Risk Group (HRG). DSACS has also identified more than 1,300 hot spots in the state where the risk of people getting infected with the HIV virus is the most and IV drug users can be found in at least one of the hot spots.

The drug users too are part of the most vulnerable age group to get infected from the HIV virus, basically between 25 to 49 years. The group becomes even more vulnerable as it's scattered in small lots across the Capital and is difficult to crack if targeted only through the awareness campaigns.

The north, northeast, central and east parts in Delhi are considered as HIV infection-prone areas. "Delhi has a very low HIV prevalence rate and with only 0.2 per cent suffering from the infection, it is well under control. But at the same time there is a lot of IV drug users which misses most part of the awareness campaign," said Dr Gupta.

Mentioning about the steps to target the groups he said: "We are increasing our coverage of IV drug users through NGOs.u00a0 First of all these drug users are put through a behavioural change program so that they can overcome this habit. Meanwhile, they are also taught about HIV and its deadly effects. For those who are not in condition to leave the habit of drug consumption, they are taught the safer ways to use a needle and are provided with fresh needles. They are also told about the oral substation drugs in order to stay away from needles."u00a0u00a0

As per the DSACS, a total of 51,818 people in the state are suffering from the HIV infection, but more than one lakh population falls in the high risk group, which includes sex workers, MSM and IV drug users. In year 2008-09, a total of 4,505 new cases of HIV infection were detected in Delhi, while 5,476 numbers of people were found suffering from AIDS.

The percentage of people suffering from HIV virus has remained almost static in the last decade as total of 31,295 new cases were detected.
As per official in health department, the awareness regarding HIV/ AIDS has also increased in the Capital. In 2008-09, only 6,291 positive cases were detected HIV positive out of the total number of 1, 77,791 people

Trend among youths

49% youngsters have good knowledge about HIV/AIDS. 92% are aware of condom use 74% are aware of link between Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and HIV 15% had sex with non-regular partner in last 12 months, majority responded to condom usage

counselled during their tests.

"The higher number of people coming for tests and counselling indicates that awareness regarding HIV virus is rising and more number of people are taking precaution to keep the
infection at bay," said an official from the health department.

25-49 years Most vulnerable group to get infected from drug use
51,818 Number of HIV/AIDS infected people in Delhi
1 lakh Number of people who fall in the high risk group
4,505 Number of new HIV/AIDS cases detected during 2008-09

Safety first

DSACS started its second round of awareness campaign in Delhi University (DU) to target the young students applying for admission in the first year courses. The first round which started last year gained momentum, as more and more students came forward to discuss HIV- related queries. "We are expecting a similar trend this year as well. Initially the students are hesitant to come forward and share their inhibitions, but within a day or two the queue do grows," said Abhishek Kumar who coordinated the camp on behalf of DSACS. He further said that 80 to 100 students turned up on the first day of the 15-day camp.