'2% of pregnant women in Karnataka are HIV positive'

[Avnish Jolly]

'2% of pregnant women in Karnataka are HIV positive'
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/2-of-pregnant-women-in-Karnataka-are-HIV-positive/articleshow/6268715.cms

TNN, Aug 7, 2010,

BANGALORE: Karnataka is one of the five states in the country with
high prevalence of HIV+ patients. At a programme on UN Millennium
Development Goals organized by the department of communication,
consultant obstetrician Dr Padmini Prasad said HIV among pregnant
women in Karnataka is 2%.

“This is an alarming figure given that the percentage should be less
than 1. Immediate measures have to be taken to prevent the spread of
the infection,” she said.

Noting that increasing number young women are falling prey to the
deadly virus, Dr Padmini maintained that at least 50% of HIV-infected
are in the age group of 15-24 years. “Youth are becoming more
vulnerable due to physical, psychological and social attributes of
adolescents. India is faced with the daunting task of prevention, care
and treatment of HIV/AIDS and overcoming the stigma is also a
challenge,” she explained.

To contain the disease from spreading, she underlined that services
should be made youth-friendly. Apart from easy accessibility, there
should be consistent and correct use of condoms.

MATERNAL HEALTH
About maternal mortality in the state, Dr Sheela Mane, chairperson,
Safe Motherhood Committee and vice president, Fulfilling People’s
Aspirations said that the mortality rate is 213 per lakh population.
“This has to be brought down to at least 100 by 2015,” she added.