MSMs: Major carriers of HIV in Krishna

There are about 2500 MSMs (Men having sex with Men) who are spreading the virus by more than two per cent, in the district. Out of the 10,366 Female Sex Workers (FSW) only one per cent is responsible for spread of virus. Around 356 were found positive due to Injecting Drug Use (IDU). There are about 3802 migrants in the district who are carriers of the HIV virus. The widespread awareness on the disease is helping infectants not only to undertake treatment but also is encouraging the FSW’s to insist of safety.

Out of 2500 MSMs, 42 were tested positive for HIV. Of 1200 truckers who were tested, 64 were detected to be infected and 101 migrants shared the same result. Of 324 IDU’s, more than 20 were tested positive. However, the accurate number of migrants is unavailable since they shift to locations that are closer by or travel for work. The patients who are infected are treated for Tuberculosis (TB) directly as soon as they are on medication under Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART).

The reach out to the patients is expanding and there are four DSRC clinics and five small centers spread across the district to treat Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). There are more than 250 ART patients diagnosed in the district who have to use medicine that costs Rs 1 lakh per year. There is only one center located at the new Government Hospital that caters to the second line patients in Krishna, Guntur, Khammam, Prakasam, East Godavari and West Godavari districts.

Additional DMHO and district TB Officer Dr TVSN Sastry speaking to The Hans India said, “We are taking all measures to promote awareness among them. FSW are insisting on protection that is a preventable measure while the unusual sex practices between MSMs are a challenge to face since they do not confess of the practice. There are several prorgammes like trained staff working with NGOs to promote awareness in rural areas.”

He added that they are ensuring that every positive tested patient is also checked for presence of TB, which is fatal as well. The one who is positive is prone to TB by more than 90 per cent and if not treated can spread it to about 15 people near him. “Once, there is a test for chest ailments like cold, cough and fever, we are scan them. Costly and effective medicine is available for the infectants at the government hospitals for free,” added Dr Sastry.