State records 220 new HIV cases from Jan to Oct 2024

Panaji: The Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) reported 220 new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in the state between Jan and Oct 2024. Of these, 12 progressed to AIDS.

HIV cases were recorded in all regions of Goa, with the highest concentration found in four coastal talukas during 2024. In North Goa, Bardez accounted for 20% whilst Tiswadi accounted for 13% cases. In South Goa, Mormugao accounted for 15% and Salcete 12% cases.

Transmission of infection through sexual contact remained the primary mode, accounting for 97% of cases in Goa in 2024. The remaining 3% occurred through vertical transmission from parent to child. The spread through contaminated blood products, syringes, and needles was found to be insignificant. Following guidelines set by World Health Organisation (WHO), the state implemented changes since 2017 in treatment protocols by administering antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the early stages of HIV infection.

This helped reduce AIDS cases to 29 in 2019. Since 2019 AIDS cases have been marginally on the decline. While 15 people died of AIDS in 2024 up to Sep, 2023 saw 32 deaths from AIDS. During 2016, 30 AIDS cases were documented, which increased to 55 cases in 2017. HIV cases decreased significantly from 959 in 2009 to 345 in 2015, but increased to 390 in 2017.

In 2018, a sharp decline brought cases to 280, and they have remained within the 200-300 range since then. In 2023, 82% of cases were in the 15-49 age group. Among females, 36% were aged 15-34, while among males, it was 55%. Dr Lalitha Umraskar, GSACS project director said that testing numbers have risen considerably, the 0.17% positivity rate remains unchanged.

“Those who think they are at risk should get themselves tested to protect from unknowingly transmitting infection to loved ones. If negative for the virus, then stay safe, and if you are positive, then start treatment from our recognised ART centres in GMC and South Goa District Hospital, and continue regular treatment and live a healthy lifestyle,” she said.