Experts believe increased awareness about HIV and AIDS and pathological investigations have helped identify people afflicted with the ailments.

“Till last year, there were around 45,000-50,000 HIV and same number of AIDS patients. This year, the number of HIV+ and AIDS patients has increased to around 64,000 and 65,000, respectively However, it would be wrong if one says that HIV and AIDS patients are increasing in the state. Rather, medical tests have been increased and so more HIV and AIDS cases are coming to the fore,” said Sanjeev Kumar Sinha, the project director, Bihar State AIDS Control Society.

“We have increased the tests compared to last year. Last year, there were only 207 integrated counselling and testing centres but this year, there has been addition of 213 units, wherein apart from testing, counselling of HIV and AIDS patients are also conducted. More people are getting tests done and getting detected if they are suffering from the disease,” added Sinha.

On the reason for the comparatively less identification of HIV and AIDS patients earlier, Sinha said: “The fear that the society might not accept them if they are found to be HIV+ prevent many to go for testing. This is the reason for which many don’t get treated at the right time. Bihar State AIDS Control Society has also taken initiatives on this front, as many integrated testing and counselling centres have been opened in primary health centres (PHCs) of various districts. Earlier, HIV testing facility was exclusively available at the integrated testing and counselling centres and many feared of being spotted by their acquaintances or relatives. Now that the centres have been opened at PHCs, people can easily get their tests done.”

Sources said Bihar State AIDS Control Society has recently hired the services of cultural groups to raise awareness among the masses on AIDS. As many as 47 culture groups have been selected by the society to perform street plays in all districts.

“We have started maintaining records of regular blood donors. We have provided computers to some blood banks and we are soon going to provide computers to the rest to help them keep data. “The percentage of voluntary blood donation has now hit 59 per cent, which was less than 50 per cent a few years ago. We are getting donors who frequently visit the bank,” added Sinha.