Ten Drug Users Test Positive for HIV in Kerala's Malappuram
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Synopsis
A health screening in Walancherry, Malappuram has revealed that ten drug users tested positive for HIV. The Kerala State AIDS Control Society, focusing on high-risk categories, conducted the screening as part of an extensive campaign to combat drug use. The DMO has initiated retroviral therapy for the affected individuals.
Key Takeaways
- Ten drug users in Malappuram are HIV positive.
- Screening was part of a high-risk health initiative.
- Shared syringes are a likely cause of HIV spread.
- Retroviral therapy is being administered to the affected.
- State government plans an anti-drug campaign.
Malappuram, March 27 (NationPress) Ten drug addicts have been confirmed HIV positive at Walancherry in Kerala's Malappuram during a health screening focused on individuals in high-risk categories.
The Kerala State AIDS Control Society carried out this screening among high-risk individuals, which included both sex workers and drug users.
The District Medical Officer of Malappuram reported that all 10 individuals tested positive for HIV and are drug users.
“This screening took place in January at Walancherry, where one individual initially tested positive for HIV. Subsequently, a comprehensive study was conducted among his close contacts, resulting in nine additional positive cases,” the DMO stated.
Among the 10, three are migrant laborers from outside Kerala working in Malappuram, while the others are local residents.
The investigations revealed that these individuals shared syringes for drug use, which likely facilitated the transmission of HIV.
The office of the DMO has initiated a more thorough examination of these individuals and is providing them with retroviral therapy.
Advocate Tito Thomas, who has been actively involved with drug users, expressed that these findings are not surprising to him.
“Having worked with drug users for a considerable time and distributing syringes and needles, the discovery that 10 individuals are HIV positive does not shock me,” remarked Thomas, an activist focused on high-risk populations.
This alarming news emerges amidst rising reports of drug use and trafficking in the state.
In response, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan convened a meeting with various department heads, stating that the government will collaborate with the public and several departments to launch a robust anti-drug campaign next month.
During this meeting, CM Vijayan emphasized that the campaign should also target students from the Lower Primary level onwards.
