HIV-infected - The number of HIV-infected people in Sitamarhi district is steadily increasing, posing a serious concern for society. Previously, this incurable disease was more prevalent among older adults, but now, shockingly, minors are also being affected.

Sitamarhi: The number of people living with HIV is increasing in Sitamarhi, Bihar. Until recently, it was mostly older people (30 to 50 years old), but now everyone will be surprised to learn that even minors are suffering from this incurable disease. This news is a matter of concern for civilized society. Importantly, the number of HIV patients in the district is increasing every year. Currently, there are 8,000 registered infected patients.

252 boys and 135 girls infected

The district's total number of infected patients is equal among men and women. It's been confirmed that approximately 400 of the victims are boys and girls under the age of 18. Reports indicate that 252 boys and 135 girls have tested positive for HIV. Currently, the total number of active patients in the district is 4,954. All of these patients are taking advantage of free medicines provided by the government.

The ART Center was opened in 2012

The ART center was opened in the local Sadar Hospital premises in December 2012. Since then, 7948 patients have been registered with the said incurable disease. Of these, Dumra block has the highest number of patients, while Choraut block has the lowest. Out of the total 7948 registered patients, 4954 patients take medicine from the ART center and consume it regularly. Dr. Mo Haseen Akhtar said that about 300 patients are being given medicine every day from the ART center. Nodal officer Dr. Z. Javed said that from the year 2022, 500 new patients are being registered every year.

Benefits of the scheme to the victims

It has been reported that a total of 3,899 adult patients who regularly take their medication and self-collect it from an ART center and are registered under the Bihar Centenary AIDS Victim Welfare Scheme receive ₹1,500 per month. This amount is provided by the Social Welfare Department. Additionally, ₹1,000 per month is provided to patients under the age of 18 under the Parvarish Scheme.

Everyone should be tested for HIV

Nodal Officer Dr. Sunil Kumar Sinha stated that for awareness, everyone should get tested for HIV and determine whether they are HIV negative or positive. If the test result is positive, they should register at an ART center and start taking medication. He urged those taking medication to visit the ART center monthly for counseling, ensuring they remain healthy and keep their families safe.

How many people are infected in which block?

According to the report, currently 229 patients are suffering from AIDS in Bairgania block, 156 in Bokhada, 574 in Bathnaha, 194 in Bela, 102 in Choraut, 1107 in Dumra, 281 in Majorganj, 348 in Nanpur, 700 in Parihar, 158 in Parsauni, 346 in Pupri, 507 in Riga, 708 in Runnisaidpur, 177 in Supi, 409 in Sursand, 514 in Sonbarsa and 474 in Belsand.

PC:NBT