DIMAPUR — Dimapur District Hospital (DHD) has, till date, documented approximately 12,000 HIV-positive cases, including those from other districts of Nagaland.
Out of the total documented, about 6,000 people living with HIV and AIDS have undergone treatment and a good number of patients are still accessing treatment at the ART Plus Centre, located within the district hospital. On average, the centre records approximately 90 new HIV-positive cases each month.
This was informed by Senior Medical Officer, Dr. Hotoka Hesso, ART Plus Centre, DHD, on the sidelines of the ‘Treatment literacy workshop on ART’ on the theme ‘Ageing with HIV’ held at DHD chapel, on Friday.
The workshop was organised by Network of Naga People Living with HIV and AIDS (NNP+), in collaboration with PND+ ARK Foundation, Vihaan CSC, Dimapur, and Social Welfare department.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Hesso said that there has been a notable reduction in HIV positive cases, compared to a decade ago. However, the detection of approximately 90 new HIV infections every month remains a matter of serious concern.
The senior medical officer also disclosed that a significant 88% to 90% of HIV transmissions occur through sexual contact and, unfortunately, the transmission of HIV through drug usage has also risen to 6%, in contrast to 2% in the past.
The use of intravenous drugs, mostly ‘Sunflower’ drug, is on the rise and this not only poses a risk for HIV and AIDS transmission but also threatens the resurgence of Hepatitis C, a disease that was previously well-contained in Nagaland, Hesso said.
While pointing out that the mortality rate due to HIV and AIDS has significantly decreased in comparison to earlier years, due to improved medical treatment, he however said that there is an increasing trend in non-AIDS related deaths, possibly caused by various factors such as cancer, alcoholism, hypertension, diabetes, liver diseases, stroke or heart attacks.
Meanwhile, speaking during the workshop, Hesso said that HIV and AIDS are "no more a death certificate" but a chronic manageable infectious disease.
He said that though HIV is a lifelong chronic disease, with knowledge and awareness, an HIV-positive patient can lead a normal life and age gracefully.
He also said that one of the factors contributing to the accelerated aging of HIV-positive individuals is chronic immune activation and without timely treatment, the immune system will deteriorate. Since ageing is closely tied to the immune system, early treatment becomes crucial, he emphasised.
Hesso went on to mention that ART medication can lead to side effects in some individuals, such as weight gain and advised them to consult doctors when experiencing such side effects.
He further encouraged the gathering to undergo regular blood tests every 6 months, maintain a healthy eating regimen and incorporate exercise.