by Faiqa Masoodi
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir, classified as a low-prevalence region for HIV/AIDS with 6,695 reported cases to date, is witnessing an alarming rise in HIV transmission linked to injecting drug use, officials said. The high prevalence of co-infections such as Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C among drug users further exacerbates this public health challenge.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir State AIDS Control Society (JKSACS), 6,695 people are living with HIV, with 1,569 reported deaths and 406 individuals lost to follow-up. Of the 3,814 individuals currently receiving antiretroviral therapy, 396 are from Kashmir and Ladakh, while 2,882 are distributed across ten districts in the Jammu region.
HIV transmission patterns differ across regions. In the Kashmir Valley, drug abuse remains a primary driver, while in Jammu, high-risk groups such as female sex workers, truck drivers, and labourers are major contributors. Other factors include unprotected sexual activity, unsafe blood transfusions, and the sharing of needles.
The emergence of HIV among injecting drug users is a growing concern, especially given the region’s increasing substance abuse epidemic. Public health experts emphasise the need for targeted interventions to address this trend, including harm reduction strategies, enhanced testing facilities, and comprehensive counselling services. Dr Saima, a prominent physician, highlighted socio-economic vulnerabilities, lack of awareness, and limited access to healthcare as key factors contributing to the spread of HIV among young and unmarried populations.
In response to these challenges, the Department of Community Medicine at Government Medical College, Srinagar, in collaboration with JKSACS, observed World AIDS Day 2024 under the global theme, Take the rights path: My health, my right! The event sought to renew commitment to combating HIV/AIDS through education, awareness, and actionable strategies.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal of Government Medical College, Srinagar, who called for sustained efforts in prevention, early detection, and treatment. A series of scientific sessions followed, featuring experts such as Prof S Muhammad Salim Khan, Head of the Department of Community Medicine, and Prof M Iqbal Pandit, who shared insights into the global and local scenarios of HIV/AIDS. Imtiyaz Khan, Assistant Director of JKSACS, provided a detailed account of the local epidemiology of the disease, while Dr Lateef Charoo, In-charge of the ART Centre at SKIMS, underscored the critical role of antiretroviral therapy and counselling.
The event also addressed the role of substance use in HIV transmission, with Dr Fazle Roub from the Department of Psychiatry elaborating on the intersection between drug abuse and the spread of HIV. Dr Khalid Bashir shared findings from original research conducted by the Department of Community Medicine, shedding light on regional trends and risk factors.
Students from Government Medical College, Srinagar, and SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, participated actively by showcasing posters that reflected global and local efforts to tackle the disease burden. In a poster competition, awards were given to students for their creative and informative presentations. Additionally, a quiz competition among postgraduate students from various departments fostered academic engagement, with the team from SKIMS, Soura, emerging victorious.
Organising secretaries Dr Kouser Sideeq, Dr Sameena Yousuf, and Dr Rifat Jan reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to collaborative efforts in combating HIV/AIDS. The organisers also highlighted the importance of public health campaigns and policy advocacy to address the rising HIV cases in high-risk groups.
The increasing reliance on advanced diagnostic tools such as viral load tests, conducted in Kashmir for both local and neighbouring states like Punjab, reflects the region’s progress in HIV management. With over 16,000 viral load tests being conducted annually, the Union Territory is leveraging its improved healthcare infrastructure to provide timely interventions.
Healthcare authorities stress the urgency of sustained efforts to curb the dual crises of drug abuse and HIV. This includes increasing awareness, enhancing access to healthcare, and strengthening harm reduction strategies to protect vulnerable populations and build a future free of AIDS.
