Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has been taking all measures to create awareness about AIDS and has set a goal to ensure no new cases of HIV infection by 2030.
Speaking on the occasion of World AIDS Day, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling said Odisha has recorded around 50,000 active AIDS cases so far.
“The state is witnessing a steady decline in the number of AIDS patients and the government aims at achieving zero new infection by 2030,” he said.
Noting that AIDS cases were detected in all the 30 districts of the state, the minister said Ganjam accounts for the highest number of infections at 19,155 while Sonepur reports the lowest at 146.
Stating that the health department has intensified efforts to ensure that “no new HIV cases emerge by 2030″, the minister said the government is implementing preventive measures and raising awareness to achieve the goal.
AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus.
He said the state government would appoint 250 radiographers in government hospitals as part of its efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure. They are expected to bring significant improvements in diagnostic services, he said.
