Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 23: Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner (DC) Darshan H V has instructed officials to take appropriate steps to conduct HIV testing for drug addicts.

He was speaking while chairing a meeting held at the DC office on Wednesday to effectively implement the goals of the Mission AIDS Suraksha campaign at the district level.

The DC noted that a large number of drug-related cases have been detected in the district and stressed the need to take necessary measures under the Mission AIDS campaign. He also directed that all private clinics, nursing homes, and hospitals in the district must inform the health department about HIV cases. Instructions will also be issued to concerned departments to cooperate in conducting HIV testing among high-density population groups, industries, and migrant workers, he added.

District AIDS control officer Dr Khateeja Dilshad said that under the Mission AIDS Suraksha campaign, awareness about HIV status is being created among 95 percent of affected individuals. Providing proper treatment and controlling the virus are key priorities of the campaign. She added that as of the end of March, 85.23 percent of HIV-positive individuals in the district are receiving treatment.

She further informed that there are 21 counselling and testing centres and 9 ART centres functioning in the district. At present, there are 4,663 active HIV cases in the district. Last year, 84,893 HIV tests were conducted, of which 293 cases tested positive. So far, 2,972 deaths due to HIV have been reported in the district.

Senior civil judge Jaibunneesa, DK zilla panchayat deputy secretary Jayalakshmi Rayakod, additional deputy commissioner Raju K, and district health and family welfare officer Dr H R Thimmayya were present at the meeting.