Andhra Pradesh is lagging far behind in several sectors compared to the rest of the states and same is the case with the HIV infections in the state. AP ranks #2 on the list of states with highest HIV prevalence in the adults last year as mentioned by a HIV estimations report for 2012. The national prevalence of HIV is a meager 0.27 but the prevalence rates in the state run almost three times higher at 0.75.
These statistics were revealed by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from the 'HIV estimations, 2012' report. According to this report, the incidence of the deadly disease with no cure has been reducing over the past years but the rate is not yet satisfactorily low. Earlier for the past year in 2011, the rate was 0.27 while the previous year had a slightly higher prevalence rate of 0.31. The reports stated that the number of males affected were significantly higher with an incidence rate of 0.32 but the prevalence of HIV in females is not a proud figure either (0.22).
The reports state that Manipur ranked number one with a prevalence rate well over one at 1.22. While closely following at third place was Mizoram (0.74) followed by Nagaland (0.73), Karnataka (0.52), Goa (0.43) and Maharashtra (0.42). Other states with a higher prevalence rate than the national average prevalence rates of 0.27 were Odisha, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Chandigarh.
The situation was found to be improving greatly with a declining trend over the past years in Karnataka as well as Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Manipur and Nagaland. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland and Tamil Nadu alone accounted for about 31 per cent of new HIV infections in India in 2011.
However, it should be noted that the overall condition of the nation has been improving since 2001 when the national prevalence was registered at 0.41. The trend showed a downward slope in five years as the levels fell to 0.35. The progress was continues over the next five years as the levels in 2011 have fallen to 0.27.
(AW- Anil)
