97% patients receiving antiretroviral treatment at PGI achieve suppressed viral load
Individuals living with HIV are experiencing a shift towards leading a normal life, thanks to suppressed viral loads. The latest data from ARTC, PGIMER, reveals that as of January 2024, a staggering 97% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) at the centre have achieved suppressed viral loads.
Owing to the suppressed viral load, HIV positive
pregnant mothers have been able to deliver babies that are tested negative for
the virus. In six years, over 140 deliveries of HIV mothers had taken place and
only two babies were found to be infected with the virus.
Dr Ravinder Kaur Sachdeva, Senior Medical Officer,
Centre of Excellence in HIV care/ Antiretroviral Treatment Centre, said, “We
are testing all pregnant women for HIV who are coming to our OPDs. Those who
test positive of HIV are put on medicines and it takes around six months for
viral load to get suppressed. The patients must take medicines throughout their
lives to remain healthy. Even babies are given medicines for six weeks to
prevent the infection.”
The advent of the ART has not only curbed the
progression of the virus but has also allowed patients to regain control over
their health with 86% of individuals successfully managing on first-line
regimens.
The city has experienced a reduction in HIV prevalence
among adults, with the incidence dropping from 0.28% in 2010 to 0.19% in 2021.
This decline surpasses the national average of 0.21%.
While the HIV prevalence has decreased, it’s important
to note that the number of registrations in the ART Centre of the PGIMER has
also seen a decline. The data reveals a fluctuating trend in the total
registered patients on pre-ART from 2005 to 2024, with the current number
standing at 16,060. In 2017, there were 1,265 registrations for ART, which
dropped to 326 in 2023. While this may indicate a positive trend in preventing
new cases, it also raises questions over the engagement of individuals in
seeking treatment.
The centre caters to patients from Chandigarh, Punjab,
Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. It carries out investigations,
including CD4 count and HIV Viral Load tests, free of cost.
There has also been a decline in the mortality rate
among HIV patients, with 37 deaths recorded in 2018 and only 18 deaths in 2023.
The Centre of Excellence at the PGI in HIV care, functional since February
2008.
Only two found to be infected in 6 years
Owing to the suppressed viral load, HIV positive
pregnant mothers have been able to deliver babies that are tested negative for
the virus. In six years, over 140 deliveries of HIV mothers had taken place and
only two babies were found to be infected with the virus.
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