The Kerala Health Department has raised concerns over a sharp rise in HIV infections among drug users. Health officials warn that alongside the temporary high from drugs, users are also exposing themselves to HIV through shared or reused needles, often pre-loaded by distributors. This unsafe practice is contributing to the growing spread of the virus among drug users in the state.

An excise survey revealed that 80% of drug users consume drugs in groups, with most of them sharing needles. This practice has contributed significantly to the rising number of HIV cases among drug users in the state.

Nine people contract HIV in Valanchery

In a recent case in Valanchery, Malappuram, nine individuals contracted HIV over the past two months after sharing needles while injecting drugs. Of the nine, six were local Malayalis, and three were migrant labourers.

The discovery followed an HIV test conducted by the Kerala AIDS Control Society after one individual was diagnosed with the virus. District Medical Officer Dr R Renuka confirmed that the infected individuals had shared needles, and distributors had reused them, further spreading the disease.

On average, more than ten people in Kerala are diagnosed with HIV every month through injecting drug use. Malappuram district alone has reported ten new cases this year, according to Nodal Officer Dr. C. Shubin.

HIV among Kerala’s youth on the rise

The AIDS Control Society has also highlighted a concerning trend: HIV is increasingly affecting younger people in the state. Since 2021, the number of young people, particularly those aged 19 to 25, diagnosed with HIV has risen, with this age group now accounting for 15% of new cases.

Previously, the disease was more common among individuals up to the age of 43.

Health experts believe that the rise in HIV cases among the youth is largely due to the practice of injecting drugs.