samantha360 - 22 November, 2012 | Analysis | public health | India | AIDS

World AIDS day is coming up in a week and I thought it would be important to talk about HIV and AIDS in all of India.

The first AIDS case was detected in 1986 and since then has grown slowly to .31% of the population of the country (about 2.39 million in 2009). The spread of the virus varies greatly throughout India with the most reported cases in the southern half of the country and the far north east. The greatest prevalence found in Manipur (Almost 1.5%). The spread seems to come mostly from hetero intercourse, mother to child and intravenous drug use.

The good news however, through various Government programs new HIV infections have declined by almost 50% in the last ten years and studies show that the downward trend is continuing.

The theme for world AIDS day this year is "Working Together for an AIDS-Free Generation" and through tireless support throught India and the world the WHO thinks that this is a goal that is quite possible.

The number one thing people can do to slow, and even stop the spread of AIDS, is educate each other and get tested. The more people know about the virus the better.

So in honor of world AIDS day get tested and educate people about risky behavior that can lead to infection.

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