HIV is emerging as a new challenge in Punjab. In a year, total 10,109 new HIV-infected patients have been reported in the state. What is more, 88 of them are teenagers, that is less than 15 years. The highest 1711 cases have been reported in Ludhiana district, followed by 1544 in Bathinda, 836 in Amritsar, 708 in Faridkot and 520 in Tarn Taran.
The information was shared by the state Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh in response to a question by BSP MLA Dr Nachhttar Pal.
The Minister said that drug addiction is believed to be the main reason behind the increase in the number of HIV cases in Punjab. As per the Health Department data, out of the total infected, 8155 are men and 1847 are women. 19 are transgenders, 56 boys and 32 girls.
The state Health Department is running an awareness campaign about HIV through radio, FM, TV channels, cinema, and web portals. Similarly, students studying in schools from Classes VIII to XII are also being made aware. In this, 6057 schools have been covered so far.
