Dharwad district has witnessed a notable drop in HIV-positive cases, thanks to the year-long awareness efforts by the health and family welfare department. In 2023-24, out of 72,000 individuals tested, 279 were HIV-positive, a decline compared to 482 cases in the previous year when over 1.01 lakh people were tested.
District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Shashi Patil credited the dip to widespread awareness initiatives and effective treatment programs. In 2023-24, 6,029 HIV-infected individuals were under treatment, which decreased to 5,805 this year.
During an AIDS Control Day event, Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu urged youth to maintain caution, adopt healthy lifestyles, and practice safety measures. Highlighting the disease’s impact on both rural and urban populations, she emphasized the need for targeted sensitization campaigns. Prabhu suggested using folk artists, street plays in villages, and skits in colleges to further boost awareness.
To improve access to care, ART Plus centres have been established at KMC-RI in Hubballi, and ART facilities are operational at Civil Hospital, Dharwad, and taluk hospitals in Navalgund, Kalghatagi, and Kundgol, offering free treatment.
HIV testing is now mandatory for pregnant women, with 27,063 tested this year, of whom 10 were HIV-positive. The AIDS prevention efforts by the state and central governments have played a crucial role in reducing the spread of the disease.
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