Parchaaye – A tale from Mizoram
Mizoram, a state of natural wonder, is situated in the north-east region of the Indian sub-continent. With Northeast Indian states mostly neglected by the rest of the India in terms of proper development, this region of India continues to be a Tourist destination, nothing more than that. People here suffers from tough times; be it lack of proper education in most of the parts or awareness about HIV and other stigmatized diseases. Therefore, this article shall inform the readers about the prevalence of HIV AIDS in the state of Mizoram which according to the recent study has one of the highest statistics in terms of HIV AIDS infected individuals, specifically talking about HIV AIDS infection in pregnant women and the disease getting transferred to the unborn child. “Parchaaye” meaning Shadow or Impression, has been used metaphorically to represent the idea of mother transferring her disease to her unborn child as a shadow because of the sheer lack of awareness.
Why Mizoram? Why not any other state? The reason behind choosing Mizoram as the case study is that the state has the highest number of HIV AIDS infection in the pregnant women. Before starting the case study, we shall look on to some basic science which will help us understand the problem from Grassroot level.
HIV- Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This is a member of the group Rhino Viruses which have RNA or single strand genetic material, which when enters the human body starts to convert the human DNA or double stranded genetic material into RNA and starts to grow in numbers. Slowly and gradually, the human body’s immunity decreases as the virus keeps increasing and loses its ability to fight back all the other minor diseases such as cold and cough, diarrhea which otherwise can be cured.
AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV. AIDS is not a single disease but many diseases which are caused because of the lowered immunity. These diseases if termed properly, can be called as a Syndrome. Therefore, a syndrome of disease acquired by a HIV infected individual due to deficiency/lack of immunity.
With the idea about of the virus & the disease and how it damages the health of an individual being cleared, we shall look upon the very frequently asked question- Why are we yet to develop a vaccine against HIV AIDS? All of us know that scientists all- round the world are working tirelessly to develop a strong vaccine against this deadly virus. But this virus is as notorious as it could get. They tend to get resistant towards a vaccine as soon as it is treated with one. They have a great sense of adaptability. Therefore, it becomes tough to develop a vaccine of all vaccines against this virus because with every episode of gaining resistant, the virus evolves into a stronger form.
Then what can we do to prevent the infection? The subject of microbiology says during the first few days since the virus enters the body, it can be traced and treated with anti-retroviral treatment although the treatment does not confer that virus would be removed completely. During the early few days, the virus is in dividing stage but does not cause any infection. It then enters a dormant stage for a period which varies from person to person, 1 year to 12-20 years. After that it starts to actively infect the person. By this time, the number of the viral cells in the body is so much that it becomes difficult for anyone to stop it without a proper vaccine and treatment.
It is suggested that if an individual believes that he/she is at the risk of acquiring AIDS, should immediately get a check-up and if the results are positive get the anti-retroviral treatment. But the treatment does not ensure a positive result for the lifetime, it can surely add years but at the end virus would become active all over again and infect the person.
Now let us talk about the ways the HIV AIDS infection is transmitted from person to person.
- Use of needles/syringes by multiple users
- Blood transfusion by an HIV AIDS positive patient.
- Unprotected intercourse
- Alcohol
- From mother to the fetus via placenta.
What is the current research going on to cure or suppress the HIV AIDS infection? There are number of researches going on to prevent and treat the infection which includes-
- Activate and eradicate method.
- Gene editing
- Immune modulation
- Stem cell transplant
So, by now we all have a basic idea about HIV AIDS. Now we will come back to our main topic i.e., How Mizoram is the most affected state in India in terms of HIV AIDS infection.
According to a recent report of October 2019 by The Hindu, the state of Mizoram reports 9 cases per day marking the highest prevalence of the disease in an Indian state. Data from the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) show that 67.21% of the positive cases are from 2006 to March 2019 and majority of them have been transmitted sexually, 1.03% of the transmission route being homosexual. The next major cause, accounting for 28.12% cases, is infected needles shared by intravenous drug users.
But a fact which is more saddening is that Mizoram has the highest number of HIV AIDS infection in pregnant women, with 1.19%. It can be heart wrenching to even understand the pain of that mother who is informed that she along with her newly born child has been infected by HIV AIDS and now it is almost impossible to cure the infection because theirs is no vaccination or a long term treatment other than anti- retroviral treatment which costs a fortune to be able to give them a happy and healthy life! We all know what our mother undergoes when we are sick even with a minor cold. Do we even have the guts to understand the pain of a mother who transmitted unknowingly to her child!? No, we do not!
But the question which arises here is why are these women and their infants have to suffer which no one should? The reason is that they do not have a good access & knowledge to read blogs/ research papers like you and I have.
Yes, we are talking about the under-privileged section of the society, specifically in the state of Mizoram. These people have a lack of awareness about the transmission of the disease and therefore, fails to report a doctor. These women then conceive a child, yes! HIV AIDS infection does not mean that a woman cannot be mother. They are not provided with the HIV tests done right after conceiving. These women remain completely unaware of the fact that their infection also passes to their child.
The child is left with many symptoms like retarded growth, short term memory, frequent fever, loss of appetite. No mother would want to see their child in a way where she cannot do anything. She feels hopeless and guilty for have ruining the life of her child.
What can we do about it? We can start with the women around us and aware them about HIV and pregnancy and why is it important to get it tested after pregnancy and if the result is positive how to get the proper treatment. The same issue should be taken up by the NGOs and social workers for the under-privileged women of the society specially in the state of Mizoram and conducted sessions and workshops to make them aware about the problems related to HIV and Pregnancy and how it can be treated with proper health care. Also, there should be availability of HIV AIDS test kits from the government to the local labs in the state with cheaper rate so that these women can be prevented from transferring the disease to their child.
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