GUWAHATI, Dec 1 - Assam is categorised as a low HIV prevalence State with an estimated adult HIV prevalence of 0.06 per cent which is lower than the national prevalence of 0.22 per cent, stated the Assam State AIDS Control Society here today.
The AIDS control society, however, cited Assam as a highly vulnerable State for HIV transmission as it is the gateway to the northeastern States and surrounded by three high prevalence States of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland.
Moreover, a large number of young population from the State goes to large cities for employment and gets involved in high-risk behaviours. On the other hand, a large number of female migrants from other northeastern States, West Bengal and Nepal, who come to Assam for employment and education, gets involved in high-risk behaviours, favourable for HIV transmission.
�Evidence shows that the HIV epidemic in the State is concentrated among the high-risk population of female sex workers (FSWs), men having sex with men (MSM) and injecting drug users (IDUs). Long distant truckers (LDTs) and single male migrants (SMMs) are also responsible for spreading the infection among the general population,� the society added.
Today along with the rest of the world, the Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS) observed World AIDS Day with a plethora of activities. The day-long programme began with a rally comprising students and stakeholders on the office premises of ASACS.
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Pijush Hazarika said HIV goes hand in hand with stigma and discrimination and therefore, people should all become part of the revolution against HIV and AIDS.
