AIDS Acquired Immunity Deficiency Syndrome

The National Aids Control Organization (NACO) have estimated that there are about 3.5 million people living with HIV/AIDS in India. All states in the country have reported cases of HIV. Therefore, it is no longer viewed as a marginal issue, affecting only a certain section of society. The epidemic is rapidly affecting all strata of society, particularly youth.

AIDS itself is not a disease. But it gives open invitation to any disease. It allows germs of any disease to attack our body, including the brain. The term ‘Acquired Immunity Deficiency Syndrome’ (AIDS) indicates that the body has developed deficiency in immunity against attack from germs (viruses, bacteria, etc.) of different diseases.

CAUSES OF AIDS

AIDS is caused by two viruses which belong to a group called retroviruses. HIV infects certain white blood cells which play key roles in the functioning of the immune system. The virus attaches itself to certain molecules on the surface of the cell. When AIDS virus enters one of these cells, the virus inserts its genes into the cells reproductive system and it uses it to produce more HIV.

Researcher have identified ways in which HIV is transmitted:

Sexual Intercourse

Direct contact with infected blood

Transmission from an infected woman to her foetus or baby

People who inject drugs into their bodies can be exposed to infected blood by sharing hypodermic needles and syringes.

Health care workers may also become infected with HIV by coming into direct contact with infected blood.

DETECTION OF AIDS

It is difficult to tell whether a person has AIDS or not. Often the incubation period varies and can be as long as five years. However, certain blood tests can reveal whether the body has reacted to the presence of the virus. Unlike most other diseases, antibodies are not effective protection against AIDS.

MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT AIDS

AIDS is not contagious. It is not transmitted through mosquitoes, air, water or food. Nor will a person acquire this disease by touching an AIDS patient. Similarly it is not possible to be infected from swimming pools, hand shaking, sharing bathrooms, classrooms and other open spaces. So unless we come in more intimate contact with an HIV/AIDS carrier, such as through sexual intercourse or sharing common needles and syringes we are not affected.

PREVENTION AND CARE TO BE TAKEN AGAINST AIDS

Adolescents (youth) and adults – should be well informed about AIDS

They should learn about safe sexual practices. The least risk is to have only one sexual partner (one’s own husband/wife)

Use of contraceptives should be encouraged.

All HIV infected persons should receive periodic blood tests to determine their cell count. 

They should have their health closely monitored by a doctor

All blood banks should conduct tests and screen blood donated to detect evidence of HIV

Public health agencies, doctors, dentists and other health care workers must use effective methods to protect themselves from contracting HIV virus while treating infected patients.

HIV /  AIDS DETECTION CENTERS IN MUMBAI

Mumbai has the highest concentration of persons suffering from HIV/AIDS, with nearly four lakh infected. The figure is rising alarmingly. Government agencies, public and private social service organizations, hospitals and associations are determined to fight this dreaded epidemic.

Mumbai District AIDS Control Society (MDACS) under Government of India, the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai etc., support and fund NGOs in anti HIV and anti AIDS projects and programs.

Big business corporations like Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL), Glaxo India Ltd, Larsen and Tubro (LNT) offer services to their own employees, slum and rural communities and families in their neighborhood to detect and eradicate AIDS.

Nirmala Niketan, SNDT University, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Population Education Center and NSS volunteers of various colleges render service to the cause of social awareness about HIV / AIDS

Voluntary organizations like CARAT (Cell for AIDS Research, Action and Training), Asha Sadan run by Missionaries of Charity, St. Catherines Home managed by Catholic nuns, World Vision Network of Care play an important role in counseling, education and caring for people in slums, on the street, HIV/AIDS affected women and children from red light areas, etc.

Hospitals like KEM hospital, Sion Hospitalm Nair Hospital and several other hospitals and research institutions treat persons of all groups infected with HIV/AIDS.

WAR ON AIDS

AIDS is a fatal disease, once an individual contracts it, death is a certainty. The US Government and its agencies launched an intensive campaign to prevent the disease from spreading. It estimated that about 5.1 million people live with HIV infection in India. Major Indian cities like Mumbai are victims of this dreaded disease. The fun loving young men and women fall an easy prey to it. The Indian Government and Public agencies have been relentlessly waging a war against AIDS but it continues to spread. Medical experts and social service organisations are doing their best to contain if no eradicate the disease. But only public awareness and determination to avoid extra marital and unsafe sexual practices will enable containing and preventing the spread.

AWARENESS

Public awareness must be created about this deadly disease through print and electronic media. Educational institutions are expected to take the lead as they are in contact with the youth. Poster campaigns and street plays can be sued to educate the people about the seriousness of the disease.