Dehra Dun, Feb 22 : Uttarakhand, known for its scenic beauty and tranquility, has now a reason to worry as AIDS is slowly and steadily gripping the state in its clutches.
Last year, 1,822 people were found to be HIV +ve in the state. Out of them, 10 per cent were children, who acquired the disease either through their mothers or through infected syringes, according to state AIDS control committee advisor Naresh Madpal.
Madpal cited two main reasons for the increase in the menace.
First, unemployed people of the state who go to cities and metros to earn a living get into unsafe sex and acquire the disease and then spread it after their return. Second, drivers are also hugely responsible for the spread of AIDS.
"Two hundred sixty four people have died due to the disease in between 2000 and till last year," he said, adding red ribbon clubs have been opened in 13 district to control the menace and spread awareness.
First, unemployed people of the state who go to cities and metros to earn a living get into unsafe sex and acquire the disease and then spread it after their return. Second, drivers are also hugely responsible for the spread of AIDS.