Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Dec 1: Karnataka has moved from fifth to eighth position, in terms of prevalence of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Incidences of people with AIDS have reduced to more than 75 per cent in the last decade in the state. On the contrary, a survey reveals that people’s knowledge about the disease has decreased.

According to HIV Sentinel Surveillance, the prevalence rate which is calculated per lac population was 1.5 per cent in 2004. In 2014-15 it has decreased to 0.36 per cent.

However, the National Family Health Survey 4, 2015-2016, which was released this year shows people’s comprehensive knowledge about HIV-AIDS has also decreased. When the survey was conducted 10 years back, 11.6% women and 29% men had comprehensive knowledge about the disease. The latest survey reveals that only 9.5% women and 26% men have the knowledge.

"We do not know why this has happened. We have conducted several programmes across the state to create awareness among the people about AIDS," says Govindaraju T, joint director of Information, Communication, Education at Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS).

“While people in urban areas seem to be aware, there is still a need to spread awareness on AIDS in rural areas. As much as 86 per cent of AIDS cases are due to sexual contact in Karnataka,” says Govindaraju.

KSAPS is planning to go by this year’s World Aids Day theme - 'Right to Health,' and 'Everybody Counts' by organizing a series of awareness drives, which will kick-start with a programme in Kolar.