SHOAIB SHAIKH | NT
Staff Reporter
PANAJI
Goans have a reason to cheer: the number of HIV cases in the state has been declining sharply from 901 HIV positive cases in 2009 to 329 in 2015 and full-blown AIDS cases from 184 to 29 during the same period.
However, data revealed by the Goa State AIDS Control Society has indicated that the age group between 35 to 49 years is the most vulnerable to HIV.
In the latest report compiled by its monitoring and evaluation unit, the GSACS has said the positivity rate in the state in 2009 was 4.25 per cent and the same has declined to 0.70 per cent in 2015.
However, the people in the age group of 35 to 49 years are the most vulnerable, as 46.50 per cent of the total cases in 2009 were found in this age group. The trend over the years has remained almost unchanged, as 46.20 per cent of the cases in 2015 were from this particular age group.
The report has said that in the same age group, over 43.10 per cent of males and about 50.40 per cent of females were found infected during 2015. Shockingly, the report has indicated an increase in the number of cases in people above the age of 50 years. While 8.50 per cent of the total HIV positive cases in 2009 were reported in older people, the number has increased to 15.10 per cent in 2015.
However, the report has indicated a reversal trend in cases reported in the age group of 25-34 years. Some 34.20 per cent of the total cases in 2009 were found in this age group, while in 2015 the number came down to 27.10 per cent of the total cases.
The number of cases in the age group of 15-24 years has been steady between six and seven per cent of the total HIV positive cases.
The report also said that sexual route has been the predominant mode of transmission in the range of 83 to 96 per cent followed by perinatal (from parent to child) – four to eight per cent. Transmission through blood, infected syringes and needles is negligible in Goa.
According to the GSACS, HIV infection is now prevalent in all parts of Goa and majority of the cases are reported in the four coastal talukas, which include Mormugao with 22.20 per cent, Bardez with 11.90 per cent cases, Salcete with 9.70 per cent and Tiswadi with 8.50 per cent of the total number of cases reported in the state.
Out of 329 cases reported in Goa in the year 2015, 26.80 per cent cases originated outside the state.
The first HIV case in the state was reported in 1987 of a foreigner, but the first known case of a Goan being infected by HIV was detected in 1989.
With widespread awareness, the number of blood samples being tested by the authorities has increased from 21,220 in 2009 to 47,035 in 2015, and more than 15,000 samples have been already tested in this year.
However, 1094 deaths related to AIDS were reported to the GSACS from 1987 to March this year.
A total of 15,594 HIV positive cases and 1,704 full-blown AIDS cases have been detected and reported in the state since 1987 upto April this year.
