The World Health Organisation aims to eradicate the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) by the year 2030. However, in Kerala, which boasts of high-quality medical services and hospitals, an average of 100 new HIV infections is being reported each month, according to data from the Kerala AIDS Control Society. The number of new infections among those aged 15 to 24 has risen sharply. From 2022 onward, the year-on-year increase in AIDS cases stood at 9%, 12% and 14.2%, respectively. Between April and October this year, the proportion of cases reported in the 15–24 age group had climbed to 15.4%.

Over the past three years, 4,477 new AIDS cases have been detected in the state. Of these, 3,393 are men, 1,065 are women, and 19 are transgender persons. The cases also include 90 pregnant women. During this period, Ernakulam reported the highest number of cases (850), followed by Thiruvananthapuram (555), Thrissur (518), Kozhikode (441), Palakkad (371), and Kottayam (350). Wayanad reported the fewest cases at 67.

Ernakulam reported the highest number of cases (850) in Kerala. Photo: iStock
Ernakulam reported the highest number of cases (850) in Kerala. Photo: iStock

Despite the rising numbers, Kerala continues to remain a state with relatively low HIV prevalence. While the national HIV prevalence among adults stands at 0.20%, it is only 0.07% in Kerala.

Why are the infections rising?
According to the Kerala AIDS Control Society, these are the reasons for the same:
1) Using syringes to inject drugs and sharing them with HIV-infected people
2) Usage of contaminated tattoo needles
3) Unprotected intercourse
4) The large number of guest workers and their use of drugs

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What's the solution?
1) Early testing and treatment of those who might have had potential exposure to the virus.
2) Pregnant women must be tested for syphilis and HIV within three months of pregnancy.
3) Ensuring that the treatment continues without fail, once the infection is detected.
4) Practice safe sex with partners.
5) Take blood transfusion services only from authorised centres. 
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