Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V has instructed officials to take appropriate steps to conduct HIV testing among drug addicts, highlighting growing concerns over drug-related cases in the district.

He issued the directions while chairing a review meeting at the DC office on Wednesday to assess the implementation of the Mission AIDS Suraksha campaign at the district level. The meeting focused on strengthening preventive measures, improving testing coverage, and ensuring timely treatment for affected individuals.

Rising drug cases raise concern

The Deputy Commissioner noted that a significant number of drug-related cases have been detected in Dakshina Kannada, prompting the need for urgent intervention under the Mission AIDS Suraksha initiative. He stressed that drug users are among the high-risk groups and must be prioritised for HIV testing and awareness programmes.

Darshan H V directed officials to adopt a coordinated approach involving multiple departments to effectively reach vulnerable populations. He also emphasised the importance of early detection in preventing the spread of HIV and ensuring better health outcomes.

Mandatory reporting for healthcare institutions

In a key directive, the DC stated that all private clinics, nursing homes, and hospitals in the district must report HIV cases to the health department. This step aims to improve data accuracy and enable better monitoring of the disease.

He further instructed concerned departments to extend full cooperation in conducting HIV testing among high-density population groups, including industrial workers and migrant labourers. These groups, he noted, are often at higher risk due to mobility and limited access to healthcare services.

Progress under Mission AIDS Suraksha

District AIDS Control Officer Dr Khateeja Dilshad informed the meeting about the progress made under the Mission AIDS Suraksha campaign. She stated that awareness about HIV status has been created among approximately 95 per cent of affected individuals in the district.

She highlighted that providing proper treatment and controlling the spread of the virus remain key priorities. As of the end of March, around 85.23 per cent of HIV-positive individuals in Dakshina Kannada are receiving treatment, indicating steady progress in healthcare outreach.

Testing centres and statistics

Dr Dilshad provided detailed statistics on the district’s HIV response infrastructure. Currently, there are 21 counselling and testing centres and 9 Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centres functioning across the district.

She revealed that there are 4,663 active HIV cases in Dakshina Kannada at present. During the previous year, a total of 84,893 HIV tests were conducted, out of which 293 cases tested positive.

In terms of mortality, the district has reported 2,972 deaths due to HIV so far, underscoring the seriousness of the issue and the need for sustained intervention.

Officials attend review meeting

The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Senior Civil Judge Jaibunneesa, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary Jayalakshmi Rayakod, Additional Deputy Commissioner Raju K, and District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr H R Thimmayya.

Their presence highlighted the multi-departmental approach required to tackle HIV effectively and ensure the success of the Mission AIDS Suraksha campaign.

Conclusion

The directives issued by the Deputy Commissioner reflect a proactive approach to addressing HIV risks in Dakshina Kannada, particularly among vulnerable groups such as drug users and migrant workers. With structured efforts under the Mission AIDS Suraksha campaign and improved coordination among departments, the district aims to enhance testing, treatment, and awareness. Continued focus on early detection and comprehensive care will be crucial in reducing the spread of HIV and improving public health outcomes.