Andhra Pradesh has set an ambitious target to eliminate AIDS from the state by the year 2030, announced Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav. He revealed a significant decline in key metrics over the past decade, showcasing the success of sustained public health initiatives.
Dramatic Decline in HIV Positivity and New Cases
The minister shared compelling data to highlight the progress. The state's HIV positivity rate has fallen sharply to 0.58% from a previous 2.34% over the last ten years. Even more encouraging is the drop in new infections. The number of fresh cases reported annually has been nearly halved, decreasing to approximately 13,000 from 25,000 in the same period.
Minister Yadav credited this remarkable improvement to a series of preventive measures implemented by both the state and central governments. He specifically noted that through persistent public awareness campaigns, the HIV positivity rate was further reduced to an impressive 0.04% from 0.10%.
Comprehensive Support for HIV Patients
Detailing the government's support system, Yadav stated that over 42,000 HIV patients across Andhra Pradesh are receiving a pension from the state. Furthermore, critical Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) medicines are provided free of cost. This vital treatment is accessible through a network of 59 dedicated ART centres, supplemented by Primary Health Centres in Nellore and West Godavari districts.
A New Concern: Rising Cases Among IT Professionals
While celebrating the overall positive trend, the Health Minister expressed serious concern about a shifting demographic in new infections. He pointed out that a surprising and worrying proportion of cases registered last year came from the Information Technology (IT) workforce. This trend indicates the virus is penetrating new, educated sectors, reflecting the evolving challenge and underscoring the continuous need for widespread awareness across all sections of society.
However, Yadav urged the public not to panic. He clarified that with modern medicine, HIV is a manageable condition, and effective treatment options are readily available for those who need them.
The minister made these announcements while serving as the chief guest at a World AIDS Day awareness program. The event was organized by the AP State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada on Monday. Earlier in the day, an awareness rally marched from the Old GGH in Vijayawada to the Kalakshetram venue.
The gathering was attended by several key officials, including Director of Secondary Health KVN Chakradhar Babu, Director of Public Health Dr. Padmavathi, APSACS Project Director Neelakantha Reddy, and NTR District Collector Dr. G. Lakshmisha.
