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Thousands of HIV Patients Unreachable in Delhi, Urgency Grows
14 May
Summary
- Over 18,668 HIV-positive individuals in Delhi are lost to treatment centers.
- Many patients were never on ART or stopped treatment, risking health and transmission.
- A new 'Each One Reach One' campaign aims to trace and reconnect these patients.
Data from the Delhi State AIDS Control Society (DSACS) reveals a concerning situation: over 18,668 HIV-positive individuals in Delhi are no longer actively engaged with treatment centers. This figure includes approximately 4,703 patients never initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and another 13,965 who stopped treatment after beginning care. A patient is classified as 'lost to follow-up' (LFU) after prolonged absence from medical care, creating personal health risks and potential transmission pathways.
Officials attribute Delhi's high LFU rates to its status as a medical hub with a significant migratory population. Fear of stigma or relocation to home states often leads patients to discontinue care. To counter this, DSACS has initiated the 'Each One Reach One' campaign, a unique outreach program designed to trace and re-establish contact with LFU patients. The campaign empowers 'parent facilities' to lead tracing efforts, leveraging NGOs and community networks while maintaining patient confidentiality.
The initiative includes systematic tracing activities like phone calls and home visits, with weekly monitoring to track progress. This campaign is vital as India strives to meet the global '95-95-95' HIV targets, ensuring widespread access to diagnosis, sustained treatment, and viral suppression for all individuals living with HIV.
