Goa: State sees steady rise in HIV among gays

July 6, 2009

PANJIM, JULY 4 While the population of gays in Goa is about 2000, HIV

prevalence among this segment (Men having sex with Men — MSM) has been found to

be 7.93 per cent. (see box).

The random sample survey conducted by Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) as

part of its sentinel survey 2007, revealed that rate of HIV prevalence was

highest among men in the age group of 30-44 with 10.34 per cent.

In the age group 20-29, the rate of infection reported was 9.24 per cent while

it was as low as 2.33 per cent among MSM below 20 years.

A total of 225 persons were randomly examined in the sample survey.

The Supreme Court delivering a historical judgment this Tuesday decriminalised

consensual sex among adults of the same sex.

According to medical experts, MSM are at higher risk of HIV infection. Dr

Pradeep Padwal, Director of GSACS speaking to Herald said, because of anal sex,

chances of injury among MSM are more. The passive partner rather than active is

more prone to HIV infection, he said adding GSACs through its intervention

programme, conducts awareness among these people.

Currently, it is implementing three projects through NGOs as targeted

intervention.

The sample survey also throws light on the trend of infection in this segment.

Samples from all types of occupations were picked up for the survey.

The 2007 survey revealed that the rate of infection was found to be 22.22 per

cent among unemployed and, hotel staff 12.20 per cent whereas, among unskilled

workers it was 9.09 per cent and truck and auto drivers 5.71%. In the service

sector, it was found to be 8.57 per cent and factory workers 4.55 per cent.

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