3 Lakhs HIV tests being conducted every year in Himachal
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Government is aiming to eradicate AIDS from the state as a public health hazard by the year 2030 as per the target set by the Central Government.
The government has launched a decisive campaign against AIDS with the goal of three zero which includes Zero infection, Zero death and Zero Discrimination.
To achieve the goal of making Himachal Pradesh AIDS free state, the state government’s landmark steps like Test & Treat and Mission Sampark proved very successful. In view of making the state AIDS free, HIV testing is an important part of the program. The first step is to identify HIV positive people and link them to Anti Retro Viral therapy. To fulfil this objective, about three lakh HIV tests were being done every year in the state. Apart from 45 Integrated Testing and Counselling Centers (ICTCs) in the state, HIV testing facility is also being provided through two mobile ICTCs. To provide testing facilities to the residents at their door-steps, efforts are being made to provide testing facilities up to Health Sub-Center level.
Prevention from Parent to Child Transmission (PPTCT) programme is being implement by the State government for eliminating HIV infection in Children. Under the programme, pregnant women are being tested for HIV and in case women is detected HIV positive then procedure is adopted for prevention of HIV transmission to her new born child. Every year about one lakh pregnant women are being tested for HIV in the state.
The government has set up three Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) and three Facility Integrated Anti-Retroviral Therapy (FI-ART) centers in the state to provide ART to People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and 4,646 PLHIV are being treated with Anti-Retroviral Therapy in the State.
The state government is also sensitive towards People Living with HIV and their dependents. Government has started Financial Support Scheme of Rs. 1500/- per month for PLHIVs in year 2019. Under the scheme, Himachali’s taking ART in the state are being given the benefit of this scheme. In addition, nutritional support scheme is being implemented for children living with HIV from 2018. Under the scheme, 100 grams of Oat / Multi-grain Biscuits are being provided to these children every day. Since the year 2019, State Government has made provision of Rs. 20 lakhs annually for treatment and medicine for Persons Living with HIV having other diseases.
In addition to these schemes, financial assistance to orphans and children of AIDS Victims upto 18 years of age was being provided for education and other living requirements by State Government. The provision for providing Free Government Bus Pass to People Living with HIV for visiting ART Centres for treatment has also been made.
Himachal Pradesh has fewer cases of HIV as compared to other states, yet the state government has shown its determination to overcome HIV by HIV screening, Anti-Retroviral Therapy, social protection schemes and awareness campaigns. With the efforts of the government and masses in general, eradication of AIDS is expected by the year 2030, and thus the goal of AIDS-free- healthy Himachal would be achieved.
