Now Reading: Syringe use overtakes sex as top HIV cause in Punjab: Minister
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Syringe use overtakes sex as top HIV cause in Punjab: Minister
Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh on Wednesday warned that intravenous drug use has overtaken unprotected sex as the leading cause of HIV transmission in several districts. Launching the Intensified IEC Campaign…
The Story in Brief
Punjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh on Wednesday warned that intravenous drug use has overtaken unprotected sex as the leading cause of HIV transmission in several districts. Launching the Intensified IEC Campaign 3.0 on August 12, he said 56% of new HIV cases in the state are now linked to contaminated syringes shared by injecting drug users. Heterosexual sex accounted for only 17% of new infections, according to NACO data. The state recorded 12,435 HIV cases in 2024-25, rising to 14,525 in 2025-26, partly due to expanded screening. The campaign will run for two months, promoting testing, treatment, and fresh syringe use.
The Indian Opinion
Punjab's reversal of HIV transmission patterns is alarming, but the official response leans heavily on awareness campaigns. The real test, however, is not pamphlets but whether the state can ensure an uninterrupted supply of sterile syringes to every district, especially in border areas where drug inflow is high. Will the IEC campaign be backed by a verifiable increase in needle-exchange programme coverage? That single number will show if the government is serious or just messaging.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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