Himachal Pradesh is no longer safe from HIV. In fact, the AIDS bomb is ticking in the hilly state. With more than 2,622 HIV positive cases detected in the state till December 31, Himachal can’t take it easy. Ironically, 60 per cent of the HIV-affected persons are women, who contracted the dreaded disease from their husbands. Official figures put the number of AIDS patients at around 499 in the state. Alarmed over the situation, the BJP Government has come out with an idea of pre-marital AIDs tests. “We’ll motivate the people to go in for pre-marital AIDs tests. Just as horoscopes are matched before marriage, youths can also match their AIDS test reports,” said Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal.This step, however, would be voluntary, not backed by the Government. The Government would only spread awareness and work out strategies to fight the disease. In his Budget speech, the CM had announced a battle against AIDS and asked the Government agencies to take all necessary steps to check the spread of the disease. Reports suggest that the highest instance of AIDS cases is reported from Dhumal’s native district of Hamirpur, followed by Mandi and Sirmaur districts. Over a dozen persons have died of the disease in the state in the past 15 years, though health officials admit that the exact number of persons could be much higher. Dhumal says nearly 2,622 Anganwari centres working in the state could also be converted into Red Ribbon clubs for spreading awareness, especially in the industrial belt and areas with higher instance of AIDS cases. However, some of the NGOs working for AIDS control claim Government intervention has not been effective. “There are people, including those affected by the disease, who are not prepared to talk on the issue.This is due to lack of awareness. If the Government is able to motivate the people to go for pre-marital tests, steps will surely be beneficial. But how many will actually be ready?” asks Gopal Krishan, an activist working with Gyan Vigyan Samiti, a leading NGO here. Dr Sulakshana Puri, project director of the AIDS Control Society, says the Government is taking help of NGOs and social organisations in spreading awareness. Some of the NGOs have been able to reach out to the AIDS victims and managed to motivate them to take up vocational jobs. “Pre-marital AIDS test is a futuristic step, and its results will be amazing once motivation level is raised,” she feels.
