HIV-related deaths on the decline: Report

As per a report brought out by the United Nations, as many as 7,77,000 people died due to AIDS last year.  This is at least 33 percent lower than what was witnessed in the year 2010.  Increased access to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is ascertained to be a major reason for the fall.

As many as 3.8 crore people are living with HIV around the world.  Of these many, only 2.3 crore or so have access to ART.  ART can delay the onset of AIDS in HIV-infected persons.  In poor countries, lack of funds and the government’s neglect usually leads to low access to ART drugs.  

Intravenous drug users, gays, transgender people, sex workers and prisoners are said to be the source 50 percent of new HIV infections.  At-risk populations don’t have access to HIV prevention services in at least half of the countries, the report says.  

In India, at least 21 lakh persons are living with HIV.  As many as 90,000 new cases are reported every year.  Lack of access to condoms in villages is a major lacuna.  

Earlier this month, a news report said that researches from the University of Nebraska Medical Centre have found a cure for HIV.  It’s a long way before this research takes the shape of medication.