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42 Died of Aids in Kashmir, 211 New Cases Detected

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Feb 27 - AIDS is spreading fast in Kashmir. According to government figures, at least 42 people have died of the disease so far. About 211 new AIDS cases were also detected in Kashmir.

This information was divulged by Indian Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Panabaaka Lakshmi in a written statement in Indian parliament yesterday.

Health authorities in Kashmir attribute the small increase in the number of AIDS cases to the heightened awareness among the people about the disease.

A report recently released by India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has identified Kashmir as one of the most vulnerable regions with regard to drug abuse and spread of HIV/AIDS stating that the "region boasts more than 90 per cent literacy rate and equal awareness levels regarding drug abuse and HIV/AIDS."

The report states that the new figures point towards a serious epidemic with the potential to trigger off if the prevention efforts are not scaled up rapidly and implemented in the desired manner.

The report maintains that with a more robust and enhanced methodology, the revised estimates could be used to improve planning for prevention, care and treatment efforts.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.