The number of patients this world aids day, who were on the second line of treatment has gone up to 21,920 this year, from 10,106 persons with HIV against the disease in 2018, almost 2X in last five years
In an effort to combat the AIDS epidemic, HIV programs have primarily focused on keeping patients on anti-retroviral therapy; however, data released by the Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) ahead of World AIDS Day (Dec. 1) shows that more than 18,000 patients have been lost to follow-ups. About 2.36 lakh of the estimated 4 lakh HIV patients in Maharashtra are receiving anti-retroviral therapy, while 18,321 people are lost to follow-up. An observation shared on world aids day.
The fact that there have been twice as many patients on second-line ART in the previous five years is concerning. The number of HIV positive individuals receiving second-line treatment has increased from 10,106 in 2018 to 21,920 this year.
After an individual is diagnosed with HIV, they receive six months of treatment, after which their viral load is tested. This test helps determine whether or not the patient is taking their medication as prescribed.
According to MSACS officials, strict counseling is carried out to guarantee medication adherence. The treatment plan is then modified in light of additional testing and clinical parameters. “But this information suggests that the patient might not be following their treatment plan, which is concerning,” an official stated.
Patients are no longer seen in HIV treatment programs for a variety of reasons. It could involve moving to different facilities, dying, a population that is migrating, stopping care, and more. On the other hand, MSACS’s ambitious ‘Vihaan’ programme, which tracks patients monthly, has selected 40 care support centres (CSCs) at the district level in Maharashtra to offer care and support services to people living with HIV.
“The Vihaan outreach team visits patients in their homes if they miss three consecutive months of appointments at the ART center. Even though the doors are occasionally locked, our team still conducts thorough monthly inspections,” an MSACS representative stated.
December1, is observed as World Aids Day
In addition to holding recurring meetings with different groups and even forming discrimination response teams, the Vihaan team offers counselling sessions at CSC. In order to promote better adherence to ART and reduce travel time and expense, there are at least 177 Link ART centers spread across 34 districts, in addition to the 78 ART centers that offer free medication.
World Aids day – Making Headway but NOT as it should be
Not quickly enough, though, to put an end to AIDS by 2030. The AIDS response worldwide is beset by a number of “missed opportunities,” according to Dr. Ishwar Gilada,President Emeritus of the AIDS Society of India, who launched the country’s first AIDS clinic in 1986 and AIDS awareness campaign in 1985.
“By 2030, there will be zero new infections, zero deaths, and zero discrimination against people living with HIV. All individuals living with HIV must have access to testing and treatment. Laws and policies should work to eliminate the stigma and discrimination that both key and marginalized populations and people living with HIV experience.
But we’re still a ways off from reaching our goals,” Dr. Gilada noted. “We are aware of how to diagnose, treat, and support people living with HIV. However, there is a chasm that we can no longer afford to remain between where we are and where we need to be. Close the gap to eradicate AIDS,” he continued.
It is important to keep in mind that PREP offers protection against HIV alone, not from other STDs. Individuals who are highly susceptible to HIV should keep taking preventative measures against other STDs. These cutting-edge preventative techniques like PrEP can help to control the HIV epidemic in India.
Insightful piece
great article