IMPACT OF AIDS OVER KASHMIR

Srinagar Dec 01, (Only Kashmir):  At least six out of every ten security personnel who undergo blood exams in Kashmir are reported as infected with HIV+ve. So far, there has been no authoritative survey on the health condition of large number of armed forces in Kashmir. Knowledgeable sources told Only Kashmir that the rotation of duties among security forces and army could be a major risk factor vis-à-vis AIDS. Doctors in Kashmir have raised concern over the fresh increase in the number people with HIV+ve cases. AIDS was until recently unknown to Kashmir. But there've been above 90 AIDS deaths since 2000, officials said. According to the figures available at Jammu and Kashmir State Aids Prevention and Control Society (JKSAPCS), there are 2573 total aids patients in the valley which include 434 in Kashmir and 2139 in Jammu division. Meawhile World Aids day was observed in valley today.  The Department of Health Services Kashmir organised World AIDS Day in collaboration with District tuberculosis Centre here today. Director Health Services Dr. Saleem-Ur-Rehman was the chief guest on the occasion while as Block Medical Officers, Zonal Medical Officers, Doctors, Paramedical, Asha workers and students also participated. Besides, the function was also attended by religious scholars intellectuals, academicians and social activists and bureaucrats.While addressing on the occasion the Director Health Services, Kashmir said that the department has already initiated steps to make people aware about the fatal disease and to wipe out the disease from the valley concrete measures are underway. Appealing people to cooperate with the department in curbing this menace, Dr. Saleem said it is people’s cooperation only which shall enable society to get rid of the disease. Advocating for maintaining the honour and dignity of a patient suffering from this disease, the Director said that society should always uphold the dignity of every individual inspite of the fact that the persons is suffering from such dreaded disease. He also made awareness about the causes of infection which include use of infected syringes by irresponsible medical staff, resulting in agony and suffering of an innocent person. He appealed people to be affectionate and sympathetic towards such patients so that proper medicine be made available to them. The function was also addressed by Principal S. P College, Srinagar  besides religious scholars. Meanwhile, World Aids Day was also observed at Sheikh-ul-Alam Budgam where district TB Control Society in collaboration with JandK Voluntary Health and Development Association organised a medical education resource programme also. About 200 participants were acquainted with the measures to control the HIV/AIDS and TB Co Infections on the occasion. A rally of school children was also organised by DHS Budgam on the occasion. (OK)