New HIV Infection Estimation from Program Data of Key Populations

In India, HIV sentinel surveillance is carried out to estimate the prevalence of HIV for calibrating the response. However, estimate of new HIV infections is also needed to monitor the effectiveness of prevention strategies. We used Targeted Intervention Program data of Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) and Female Sex Workers (FSWs) enrolled in Targeted Intervention (TI) programme in Aizawl district of Mizoram state to estimate the trend in new HIV infection rate. Those who had tested HIV positive in a particular year but were negative in the previous HIV test were considered to be newly infected. New HIV infections were found to have a rising trend from 2010 to 2019 (p<0.01). The new infection rate of HIV was 6.73% among IDUs and 1.94% among FSWs in 2019. This analysis, which requires minimal resources, may be undertaken at regular interval in all Targeted Intervention Programs to monitor the effect of preventive strategies at local level

Assessment of levels and trends of HIV infections among different subgroup populations of Gujarat State – Prioritization of the districts

Background: In India, HIV prevalence varies by region and high-risk groups. General population rates have decreased in high prevalence states through HIV Sentinel Surveillance among pregnant women, while low-moderate prevalence states show variable trends. Gujarat, in western India, has mixed HIV prevalence according to 2017 Sentinel Surveillance data. Objectives: To study the level and trend of HIV positivity among pregnant women and high-risk groups (HRGs) across different districts of the state of Gujarat from year 2012-13 to 2016-17. To review the possible determinants of the HIV epidemic across the selected districts in the state of Gujarat. Materials and Methods: Data from the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) spanning 2012-17 was analyzed for HIV trends in Gujarat. This included combined HIV testing data from pregnant women at Integrated and Counseling Testing Centers, blood unit testing data from selected districts, and HIV testing among high-risk populations through Targeted Intervention sites. Results: HIV cases in Kheda district declined post-2013-14 among pregnant women (0.38% to 0.21% in 2016-17), and in general ICTC clients (5.53% to 0.264% in 2017-18). MSM seropositivity dropped from 1.15% (2014-15) to 0.74% (2016-17), FSWs from 0.7% (2014-15) to 0.29% (2015-16). Contrastingly, blood donors exhibited an increasing trend, rising from 0.15% (2012-13) to 0.24% (2016-17). In Mehsana, ANC mother seropositivity rose to 0.6% (2013-14), fell to 0.32% (2015-16), and rose again to 0.48% (2016-17). General ICTC clients declined from 1.2% (2012-13) to 0.53% (2016-17). FSWs had 0.25% seropositivity (2015-16), while MSM saw a drop from 0.44% (2014-15) to 0.23% (2016-17). Blood donors' trend was inconsistent. Sabarkantha's pregnant women seropositivity dipped from 0.59% (2012-13) to 0.20% (2014-15), rising to 0.25% (2017-18). General ICTC client seropositivity decreased from 5.34% (2012-13) to 1.17% (2017-18). Conclusion: While declines in HIV prevalence are evident among certain groups such as pregnant women and general ICTC clients, there are fluctuations in seropositivity among high-risk populations like MSM, FSWs, and blood donors. These insights emphasize the need for targeted interventions and ongoing monitoring to effectively address the evolving HIV landscape in these districts

An assessment of comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS among slum and non-slum populations in Delhi, India

In order to design appropriate HIV prevention programs, it is important to examine the perception and knowledge of HIV/AIDS and methods of prevention. This article explores comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention methods among women and men in slum and non-slum areas in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, India. Data were drawn from the National Family Health Survey, 2005–06 (NFHS-3). The sample included 3096 women aged 15–49 years and 1321 men aged 15–54 years. Pearson Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between the study variables and the background characteristics of the slum and non-slum populations. Comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention methods was significantly lower among women and men in slum areas as compared with non-slum areas. Compared to men, women had less comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention methods in slum and non-slum areas, even after controlling for various demographic and socio-economic and exposure variables. Interventions are needed to build knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention methods through mass media campaigns, and information, education and communication programs (IEC) on HIV/AIDS in slum areas

Sustained progress, but no room for complacency: Results of 2015 HIV estimations in India

Background & objectives: Evidence-based planning has been the cornerstone of India's response to HIV/AIDS. Here we describe the process, method and tools used for generating the 2015 HIV estimates and provide a summary of the main results. Methods: Spectrum software supported by the UNAIDS was used to produce HIV estimates for India as a whole and its States/Union Territories. This tool takes into consideration the size and HIV prevalence of defined population groups and programme data to estimate HIV prevalence, incidence and mortality over time as well as treatment needs. Results: India's national adult prevalence of HIV was 0.26 per cent in 2015. Of the 2.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS, the largest numbers were in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. New HIV infections were an estimated 86,000 in 2015, reflecting a decline by around 32 per cent from 2007. The declining trend in incidence was mirrored in most States, though an increasing trend was detected in Assam, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Sikkim, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh. AIDS-related deaths were estimated to be 67,600 in 2015, reflecting a 54 per cent decline from 2007. There were variations in the rate and trend of decline across India for this indicator also. Interpretation & conclusions: While key indicators measured through Spectrum modelling confirm success of the National AIDS Control Programme, there is no room for complacency as rising incidence trends in some geographical areas and population pockets remain the cause of concern. Progress achieved so far in responding to HIV/AIDS needs to be sustained to end the HIV epidemic