Gorakhpur, Feb 27: 21 villagers from Unnao were diagnosed with HIV, another tragedy unfolded in UP when twenty three inmates of the Gorakhpur District Jail had been diagnosed as HIV positive in the last eight months and are being treated at a hospital in the district, according to an official.

As per the instructions of senior officials from Gorakhpur, the news came to light during the several health camps that were conducted for the benefit of the inmates. Among the 23 infected is a woman, according to Jail Superintendent Ramdhani Muni who spoke to PTI.

A total of 1,400 prisoners underwent tests during the camps that were conducted over an 8 month period. But the real numbers of the HIV infected inmates would be clear only after the remaining prisoners go in for the tests. As of now, 400 prisoners and yet to undergo the tests, revealed the officer.

The officials have swung into action following the diagnosis and the inmates are already being treated at the ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy) centre of the BRD Medical College and Hopsital, according to the superintendent. To offer support to these inmates, jail authorities have also taken the help of counsellors.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 28, 2018 11:05 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).