The relationship between drug use and the surge in AIDS cases in Guwahati has sparked heightened concern within health circles. Historically, drug use and HIV/AIDS have been intertwined, with individuals engaging in high-risk behaviours associated with drug use exposing themselves to the risk of contracting or transmitting viral infections such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
This complex relationship between drug use and infectious diseases underscores the urgency of addressing the surge in AIDS cases in Guwahati, particularly linked to the sudden rise in Injection Drug Use or Intravenous Drug Use (IDUs).
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Despite seemingly small numbers in the broader context, the increase has set off alarm bells among health professionals dealing with HIV/AIDS, especially considering the previous downward trend in HIV infections due to IDUs. The city's health authorities now face the critical challenge of not only mitigating the immediate impact of this surge but also addressing the root causes driving the rise in drug users.
Speaking to GPlus, a senior official from the Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS) shed light on the emerging crisis and the pressing need for targeted interventions.
"The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront a concerning surge in AIDS cases, primarily attributed to drug use and, more specifically, the practice of injecting drugs," a senior official of ASACS informed GPlus.
The senior official emphasised that the nexus between the rise in AIDS cases and drug injection is becoming increasingly apparent in post-pandemic Guwahati.
Among the contributing factors, the official pointed to the perilous practice of sharing drug needles within the same group. This risky behaviour significantly heightens the likelihood of transmitting the virus, compounding the challenge faced by health authorities in curtailing the spread of HIV/AIDS.
“The sharing of drug preparation equipment, specifically cookers used in the drug preparation process, stands out as another critical factor facilitating the transmission of the virus," the official added. This practice not only poses a direct threat to individuals engaging in injection drug use but also escalates the public health risk, warranting urgent attention.
The Assam State AIDS Control Society has been proactive in implementing various awareness programmes. These initiatives are designed to educate individuals engaging in injection drug use about safe practices to mitigate the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission. The multifaceted awareness programmes aim not only to curb the spread of the virus but also to address the root causes driving individuals toward injection drug use.
The official highlighted the importance of fostering awareness around safe injecting practices, underlining the role of education in curbing the transmission of HIV/AIDS among drug users. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to engage in safer practices, health authorities aim to break the chain of transmission and safeguard the broader community from the escalating public health threat.