Berhampur, Dec 1: As the world observes World AIDS Day today, with this year’s theme “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” Odisha’s Ganjam district continues to grapple with a high HIV burden despite a gradual decline in new infections.
According to the latest data, Ganjam remains one of India’s top 10 AIDS-prone districts, ranking 8th nationally. It also records the highest number of HIV-positive patients in Odisha. Officials say that although numbers have decreased compared to previous years, the district continues to be a critical hotspot, with many families devastated and numerous children left orphaned due to the disease.
464 new cases detected this year
Between January and October, the District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit (DAPCU) tested 2.19 lakh people, out of which 464 were found HIV-positive. Every block in the district reported new cases.
Polasara block has the highest patient count, with 1,354 HIV-positive individuals. Overall, Ganjam has 19,040 registered patients, including 10,988 men, 5,819 women, 164 transgender persons, 992 children, and 1,077 pregnant women.
At present, 18,054 patients are enrolled in ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) centres, while 1,880 deaths have been recorded so far.
Support and treatment facilities expanded
DAPCU DPM Rajendra Maharana said that several initiatives have been introduced for patient care. The district has 29 ICTC centres for HIV testing. Free medicines are being provided at Bhanjanagar Hospital, Berhampur City Hospital and the Berhampur District Headquarters Hospital. Link ART Centres are also operating in Asika, Polasara and Khallikote.
Experts caution against rising trend among youth
Loknath Mishra, Director of the NGO Aruna, noted that HIV cases typically rise, then stabilise, and eventually decline. However, he said Covid-era disruptions led to reduced testing and fewer detected cases, while renewed testing efforts have resulted in an uptick. The exact cause of the rise remains unclear and warrants scientific investigation, he added.
At a recent Indian Network of NGOs on HIV/AIDS (INN) conference held in Ahmedabad, experts flagged a concerning increase in HIV transmission among youth in Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. During a programme at Gopalpur College, INN President Dr. Shankar Choudhury and Board Member Yogendra Upadhyay warned that the HIV threat in Odisha remains far from over. They emphasised that creating awareness among young people must be a priority, cautioning that without serious action, AIDS cannot be controlled in the coming years.
