Aids in India

 
AIDS in India The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is caused by a virus called HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus). It is a condition in which the built in defense system of the body breaks down completely. This phenomenon is gradual but ultimately leads to total depletion of a very important cell component of the immune mechanism. Thus those who are affected are unable to combat with common diseases including even mild infections since his/her immunity is knocked out and body resistance is reduced.AIDS was recognized for the first time in the USA in 1981.In India it was identified in after 5 years in May 1986. In October 1985 the health authorities of the Government of India realizing the threat and spread of HIV and AIDS through the Indian Council of Medical Research organized the screening of high risk groups with the aim of finding out whether HIV infection has reached India. Among the states, Manipur stands first followed by Maharashtra and thirdly TamilNadu.HIV is currently spreading in the world at the rate of one new infection every fifty seconds. The HIV/AIDS is not confined to any one class, community, religion, age-group, sex or profession, though according to the Indian Health Organization women and children are believed to be more prone to AIDS. The HIV infection is spread over all religions and all groups.HIV is an infectious disease but is not easily transmitted through the environment such as air, water, food etc. Therefore it is non-communicable disease. However the main causes or the modes through which the virus enters the body are:1. Sexual intercourse with an infected person. The virus transmission is facilitated when either partner has other sexually transmitted disease (STDs). Genital ulcers and other infections such as syphilis could act as co-factors, aiding and abetting the AIDS virus. 2. The second mode is through the transfusion of HIV infected blood or the blood products or through infected blood in needles, syringes and other...