PANAJI
The State of Goa is witnessing a reduction in the number of HIV-affected persons since 2010 and this is a positive sign for the State that’s being a favourite holiday destination and one of the most visited places on the tourist map.
The 2010 figures reveal that Goa had registered 801 HIV infections and a decade later, in 2020, there were only 47 new patients found, meaning the number of people getting infected with HIV has been reduced considerably.
Dr Geeta Kakodkar of Goa AIDS Control Society revealed these figures on Wednesday, December 1, which is observed as World AIDS Day.
Currently, the State has around 13,519 HIV patients out of which 7587 are being treated. The remaining patients are reluctant to take treatment and avoid regular follow-ups.
The government health centres are equipped to treat HIV patients, informed Dr Kakodkar. Those HIV patients whose immunity has been reduced considerably, have to undergo treatment on a regular basis, the doctor said.
These patients do not have enough blood circulation. There is increasing awareness about HIV among the population now, and the government centres also are offering treatment, and this is the reason for the decrease in the number of HIV patients this year, said Dr Kakodkar.
Prior to 2010, the State was recording a growing number of HIV patients. And it has been found that there are more HIV patients in the coastal belt.
