Srinagar, A significant increase in HIV/AIDS cases has been recorded in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, with a total of 6,305 individuals testing positive for the virus since 1998 up to October 2023.

According to Kashmir Media Service, official data reveals a concerning trend in the region, with 1,452 HIV-positive patients having died from the disease within this period. Currently, 3,583 individuals are receiving Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), while 521 patients have ceased to follow up with their medical treatments.

The Govt Medical College in Jammu has reported the highest number of HIV cases at 5,154, resulting in 1,274 deaths. Additionally, 470 patients have discontinued follow-up, and 2,782 are undergoing ART.

The Soura Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar has registered 776 HIV patients, with 152 deaths, 35 discontinuing follow-up, and 473 presently on ART.

At ART Kathua, there are 375 registered HIV patients, of whom 26 have died, 16 have stopped follow-up, and 328 are receiving ART.

Health officials in the region have highlighted the critical role of social stigma in preventing individuals from seeking HIV testing, contributing to the rise in infections over the years. AIDS, caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), compromises the immune system and leaves the body vulnerable to infections and diseases.

HIV transmission occurs through sexual contact, infected blood, from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, and shared needle usage. Without medical intervention, HIV can progress to AIDS over several years.

The region’s vulnerability to HIV/AIDS is attributed to its status as a popular tourist destination, the frequent movement of long-distance truck drivers and migrant laborers, and the significant presence of security forces—all factors that can contribute to the spread of HIV.