Telangana State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) has observed World HIV/AIDS day at Ravindra Bharathi. Earlier a rally was conducted from Nizam College Grounds to Ravindhra Bharathi which is flagged off by Mrs. Karuna Vakati, IAS – Commissioner, Health & Family Welfare and also Project Director-TSACS. Nearly 2000 people from NGOs, students, stakeholders and community members from TG, MSM, FSWs, Truckers and Migrants participated in the rally followed by a meeting at Ravindra Bharati.
Later, a Meeting was conducted at Ravindra Bharati in which performances to create awareness on HIV/AIDS is done through cultural programs like Pallesudullu and dance performances by community members. Dr. John Babu, APD – TSACS started the program by welcoming all the guests. The Chief guest Smt. Karuna Vakati, IAS – Commissioner, Health & Family welfare and also Project Director- TSACS, in her address, appreciated the efforts in reducing HIV prevalence in Telangana State and stressed to continue the same efforts to ensure HIV free Telangana. Madam also promised to put in all the efforts from her part to achieve the goal. Dr. John Babu, APD – TSACS started the speech by explaining about National AIDS Control Program Phases from 1 to 4 and how other programmes in HIV are initiated to control HIV/AIDS progression, the achievements made in reducing HIV/AIDS prevalence to 0.39%. During his speech he stated about three Zeros i.e. Zero new infections, Zero HIV /AIDS related deaths and Zero Stigma & Discrimination. Finally he appreciated all the partners for their efforts and support in controlling Stigma & Discrimination towards People Living with HIV/AIDS. Dr. Padmaja , DMHO explained about various counselling, testing and treatment facilities available in Government Hospitals. Dr. Lalitha Kumari, DPH said that initially due to cultural barriers people were afraid to speak about their HIV status even with health providers but presently they are voluntarily coming forward to share their HIV status with health care staff when they need injection or surgeries. Dr. Ramani, Director(Medical Education) felt awareness programs through cultural activities, instead of classroom lectures, are very effective in rural areas and appreciated their achievements in creating wide awareness about HIV/AIDS. Dr. Sivaleela, Director – IPM emphasized on safe and safer sex practices and need for health seeking behaviour. Mr. Rama Krishna, Director – Sales from Apollo Foundation said as corporate social responsibility their company is supporting HIV prevention program in India and Africa through 26 Apollo clinics.
One poster on social protection and a broacher on PPTCT are released by the Project Director
followed by the distribution of awards to the people who has contributed immensely as a token of
appreciation.
Other organisations like Swasti, Share India, Lion’s Club, CHAI, Saathii, NSS, NYKS, Students from colleges, World Vision (India) have participated in the program and put their stalls in creating the
awareness to the public. (NSS)