Shimla, 10 November 2024: The popularity of tattoos is soaring among all age groups in Himachal Pradesh, but concerns about health risks, particularly the spread of HIV, are prompting action from the Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society.
The Society plans to meet with local tattoo artists to address hygiene and safety standards to prevent potential transmission of serious diseases.
State Program Officer Dr. Lalit Thakur mentioned that the initiative will begin with data collection from tattoo artists in Shimla, followed by awareness sessions on safe practices.
“If an HIV-positive person visits a tattoo center and the artist reuses syringes or equipment without proper sterilization, it poses a significant risk of spreading infections,” Dr. Thakur stated.
The move comes in light of increasing cases of people opting for tattoos without adequate knowledge of the associated health risks. Using unclean equipment or failing to replace needles can lead to severe infections, including HIV.
The Society aims to educate tattoo artists on the importance of using sterile tools and adopting hygienic practices to protect clients.
Interestingly, the Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society reported zero cases of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the past two years, marking a significant achievement in the state’s HIV prevention efforts.
The Society hopes similar awareness campaigns among tattoo artists will help mitigate risks in this emerging field.
