India Has the Third Highest Population of HIV Cases: Can Better Diagnostics Curb the Spread?

Diagnostics hold the key to the fight against HIV, especially in a country like India, where HIV ranks at the third-largest position. This might be alarming, yet with advancements in diagnostics and increased awareness, you can fight back. Early detection, combined with effective treatment, can save millions of lives and reduce the spread of the virus.

World AIDS Day is observed each year on December 1 to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, support those living with HIV, and remember those who have passed away due to AIDS-related illnesses.

The World Health Organization (WHO) announces this year’s AIDS Day theme, ‘Take the right path: My health, my right,’ asking every individual to speak up and fight against HIV and AIDS with quality diagnostics. Their campaign focuses on the concerning state of HIV in the world. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as the virus (infection) attacking the body’s immune system, which may lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) if left untreated.

The Indian epidemic atmosphere is a concerning situation for the country, as stated by India’s National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). They observed an increase in unprotected intercourse between sex workers and their clients and random usage of injecting drugs with contaminated injecting equipment.

Prevalence of HIV in Indianbsp;

The Government of India conducted various studies and found some key statistics. 

• India has about 2.5 million people living with HIV, where adults account for 0.31%, children account for 3.5%, and the remaining 83% lie between the age group of 15-49 years. 
• States from the south, west, and northeast regions contribute the majority. 
• Andhra Pradesh (500,000), Karnataka (250,000), Maharashtra (420,000), and Tamil Nadu (150,000) contribute to 55% of overall HIV cases. At the same time, West Bengal, Gujarat, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh together account for 22% of the HIV infections in the country. 

The report found that India has seen a significant decline of around 76% in HIV cases, with adult HIV dropping from 0.32% in 2010 to 0.21% in 2021, which indicates a decrease in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths across India. 

A concerning situation arises in Tripura, the northeast region of India, where 828 students tested positive for HIV. Among them, 47 died. The report came from the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS), which shocked everyone. 

The committee identified these students are from 220 schools and 24 colleges and are found to be addicted to intravenous drug abuse. Needle sharing equally contributes to HIV transmission as the virus transfers from body fluids. 

To combat this situation, organizations took harm reduction strategies and programs, which offered counseling, referrals to addiction treatment services, and testing. The officials also started antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is a treatment of HIV/AIDS involving a combination of medications that can suppress the spread of the virus in the body. 

ART doesn’t cure HIV, but it aids in effective monitoring and controlling it, which allows people with HIV to live healthier and longer lives ahead. 

Recently, the demand and availability of ART have seen a significant surge, leading to a noticeable increase of 1.6 million in treatment rates across the country in 2022. 

The National Institute of Health (NIH) reported that 56,500 people with HIV in India are receiving ART, which saw a 60% to 80% decline in the rate of hospitalization, AIDS, and mortality. 

A report found that HIV infections could rise because of climate change and intense challenges like public health infrastructure erosion, food insecurity, mass displacement, and water scarcity. These issues affect most countries, creating an increase in HIV burdens and severe debt crises. 

This global situation is significantly reaching India through many pathways, such as food insecurity, migration, and mental health issues. At the same time, the research found that states with high levels of poverty, susceptibility to climate disasters, and existing HIV prevalence are at stake.

Who and When To Get Tested For HIV?nbsp;

If you are above the age of 13, you should take the HIV test at least once as a part of routine healthcare. CDC classifies certain risk factors for people to take the HIV test. These include: 

1. Man who had sex with men. 
2. People who had vaginal or anal sex with someone with HIV infection. 
3. People who had sex with more than one partner. 
4. People who have shared syringes, needles, or other drug injection equipment. 
5. Sex workers or people who exchange sex for money. 
6. People diagnosed or treated with hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB), or any sexually transmitted infection (STI). 
7. People who had sex with someone who has done anything listed above. 

Understanding How HIV is Transmitted

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the symptoms of HIV appear within two to four weeks after infection. To prevent further spread of the infection, get the HIV test from Redcliffe Labs.

There are three stages of HIV: acute, chronic, and AIDS. With the latest advancement and technological development, progression to stage 3 or AIDS is less common. 

There are several misconceptions that HIV can spread by hugging or kissing. However, this is not how HIV spreads. The virus spreads through body fluids like semen, blood, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, breast milk, and pre-seminal fluid. 

These fluids can transfer through vaginal or anal sex, sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment. 

Empower Yourself: Essential Tips for Preventing HIV

HIV can’t be transmitted by mosquito bites, donating or receiving blood, or shaking hands with an HIV-infected person. However, there are ways you can prevent its spread.

1. Using condoms every time you indulge in sex can reduce the risk of getting HIV. Make sure you use it correctly.
2. Avoid using injections; instead, use sterile injection equipment. Remember to avoid sharing the equipment with others. 
3. Take preventive tests every two months to reduce the risk of getting HIV through injection or sex. 
4. Take antiretroviral therapy (ART) after being prescribed by your doctor. ART can reduce the amount of HIV in the blood and also prevent its spread. 
5. Take HIV medicines throughout pregnancy and childbirth, after being prescribed by your doctor, as these medicines can curb the risk of transmission to your baby. 

Role of Diagnostic in Preventing HIV

Diagnostics are the backbone of HIV prevention and treatment. Early detection can curb its spread and enable timely treatment. India has achieved a remarkable goal in this area, with innovations in diagnostic technology providing new hope to the country and its people. 

A recent example is ‘GQ-RCP,’ a novel diagnostic tech developed by India to diagnose HIV. It was initially designed to detect SARS-CoV-2 but can now successfully diagnose HIV. This shows how effectively India is moving towards diagnostic technology and its commitment to leveraging science and technology to combat public health challenges. 

Diagnostic testing is essential in early prevention, treatment, and diagnosis. HIV can be detected with antibodies, antigens/antibodies, and Nucleic Acid Test (NATs) tests, which are the earliest possible diagnosis and effective treatment process. 

Redcliffe Labs, an omnichannel PAN-India diagnostic service provider, offers 3600+ tests at an affordable price, which helps in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of infection or disease. Our campaign on AIDS is ‘#HIVTestingSavesLives,’ which encourages people to break the silence, spread awareness about HIV, and take preventive tests, as ignorance may lead to serious health complications. 

Redcliffe Labs offers many tests for HIV, including: 

1. HIV 1&2 Antibodies Test 
2. p24 antigen with HIV 1&2 Antibody Test 
3. HIV Early Screen Test 
4. HIV 2 RNA Quantitative Test 
5. HIV Antibody, Rapid Card Test 
6. HIV 1 Viral Load Test 

Know your HIV status and prevent the further spread of the virus. These tests ensure early and accurate detection, providing you with the best possible chance to control the infection and avoid the chances of AIDS. 

Diagnostics are the key to early disease detection and offer a pathway to hope, resilience, and action. By prioritizing regular testing and early detection, we can curb the spread of HIV and move closer to an HIV-free future.