'3,300 HIV+ people being treated at state-run centres'

Panaji: At least 3,300 people in Goa living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) receive treatment at state-run antiretroviral therapy (ART) centres, said Dr Lalitha Umraskar, project director at the Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS), on Friday. Goa recorded 240 HIV cases in 2024, showing a marginal decrease from 270 cases registered in 2023. While 15 people died of AIDS last year, 2023 saw 32 deaths.

The highest concentration of cases was seen in the talukas of Bardez, Tiswadi, Salcete, and Mormugao, with the majority of infections being among the local population, said Umraskar. “High-risk behaviour is much more in these four talukas, with a lot of people moving around. This is why more NGOs work there, and the youth are also more active,” she said.

Umraskar told reporters that while testing numbers have risen considerably, the positivity rate, which is about 0.17%, remains unchanged. She urged citizens to avoid discrimination against HIV-positive individuals and to utilise free counselling and testing services provided by govt.

In the presence of deputy project director, Umakant Sawant, Umraskar released the poster of the national ‘Red Run’ scheduled to be held at Miramar on Jan 18. Organised by the National AIDS Control Organisation in collaboration with GSACS, the run is aimed at creating awareness about the disease. Sawant said that 220 professionals from across India and 1,000 locals will participate.