The sharp rise in the number of HIV-positive patients in Mau district, Uttar Pradesh, has left officials perplexed. While confirming the increase in HIV cases, officials attributed unprotected sex as one of the major factors behind the surge. According to recent reports, the district has recorded 2,394 confirmed cases of HIV, including 85 children.
Although the health department and district administration have launched an awareness drive to curb the rising number of HIV cases, their efforts have yet to yield significant results. HIV/AIDS, a life-threatening disease with no definitive cure, continues to pose a major public health challenge.
According to the health department’s recent report, among the 2,394 HIV-positive individuals in Mau, 1,147 are men, 1,151 are women, and 85 are children, including 83 boys and two girls. The data also includes 11 transgender individuals who have tested positive for HIV.
The inclusion of children in these statistics is particularly concerning as it suggests possible vertical transmission (from mother to child) or other exposure routes that need urgent attention.
“We are working to determine the primary causes behind the surge and develop strategies to curb further transmission. The rising number of HIV cases, especially among children, is deeply concerning. Our focus is on identifying the key factors driving this increase and implementing targeted interventions to prevent further spread," said Dr Rahul Singh, Chief Medical Officer of Mau.
Among the many cases, the most recent was that of Mau District Jail, where 13 inmates were found to be HIV-positive. On 10 March, a shocking revelation emerged from the jail in Uttar Pradesh, as 13 inmates tested positive for HIV, triggering alarm among prison authorities and the health department. Of the infected inmates, 10 are from Ballia, while three are from Mau. Due to ongoing construction at Ballia Jail, its inmates are currently housed in Mau Jail. This unsettling discovery has raised serious concerns about health security measures in prisons.
Jail Superintendent Anand Shukla stated that routine health check-ups are conducted for all male and female inmates. Those displaying symptoms or suspected of infections undergo further testing at the Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Centre in the district hospital. Once confirmed, they receive the necessary treatment and medication.
Shukla further revealed that some of the infected inmates had gotten tattoos at the famous Dadri Mela in Ballia, where unsterilised needles might have been used, leading to transmission. Additionally, some inmates were drug addicts who injected substances using shared needles, increasing their risk of contracting HIV. At present, all infected inmates are under strict medical supervision and are receiving ART treatment within the prison premises.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Rahul Singh highlighted the key factors behind the surge in HIV cases in Mau, stating, “Unprotected sexual intercourse, particularly among truck drivers, is a major contributor, leading to a rapid spread of the virus."
Expressing concern over HIV-positive children, he added, “Many cases involve newborns infected due to unprotected relations among HIV-positive individuals and inadequate prenatal screening."
Dr Singh further noted that tattooing with unsterilised needles and intravenous drug use with shared syringes have significantly contributed to the crisis. Several recent cases were linked to roadside tattoo parlours with poor sterilisation standards.
He added that despite awareness efforts, a significant portion of the population remains either unaware or indifferent to safety measures, making HIV prevention increasingly challenging.
According to the Chief Medical Officer, various measures have been implemented, including the free distribution of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to HIV-positive individuals, regular health check-ups, and counselling sessions to raise awareness. Public campaigns are also being conducted to encourage the use of condoms and safe sexual practices.
Additionally, prenatal screening and safe delivery protocols for HIV-positive pregnant women are being enforced to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Strict monitoring of tattoo parlours and local medical practitioners is also underway to ensure adherence to sterilisation procedures.
However, despite these efforts, the challenge remains significant. Dr Singh emphasised that community participation is crucial for the success of these initiatives. “Unless people actively take precautions and adopt safer practices, the administration’s interventions alone may not be sufficient to curb the epidemic," he added.
TATTOOING AND DRUG USE AS EMERGING RISKS
A particularly concerning trend in Mau is the rising number of HIV infections linked to unsterilised tattoo needles and shared drug injections. Pharmacist Shivendra Singh from the district’s Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centre highlighted that at least 30 of the HIV-positive cases involve individuals under 15 years of age. Among them, two teenagers tested positive three months after getting tattoos from roadside artists who likely used contaminated needles. Additionally, unsafe injection practices among drug users are contributing to the crisis, as many addicts share needles, exposing themselves to infected blood and significantly increasing the risk of transmission.
While the Uttar Pradesh government continues to push for stronger awareness programmes, the rising numbers highlight an urgent need for more aggressive intervention. In 2019, the total number of HIV patients in Uttar Pradesh was recorded at 1.61 lakh, making it one of the states with a significant HIV burden in India.
