Telangana is witnessing a decreasing trend in the prevalence of HIV/AIDS across the state, thanks to the continuous efforts of Telangana State AIDS Control Society (TSACS), which has been playing a vital role by roping in NGOs, students, community members and other stakeholders in creating awareness about the spread of this deadly disease in the society.
“Thanks to the efforts of all our stakeholders, today the state of Telangana has recorded a drastic reduction in the spread of HIV/AIDS. We are implementing the National AIDS Control Programme in 4 phases and achieved 0.39 per cent reduction in the spread of HIV/AIDS,” informed Dr. John Babu, Assistant Project Director.
As part of the AIDS control in the state, the TSACS is aiming to achieve 3 Zeros, i.e. zero new infections, zero HIV /AIDS related deaths and zero stigma and discrimination. To achieve this target, the TSACS is not just focusing on creating awareness, but is also collaborating with corporate hospitals like Apollo Health Clinic and taking their help in conducting health camps in rural areas for screening the patients. “As part of our corporate social responsibility, we are extending our helping hand in preventing the menace of HIV/AIDS not only in India but also in Africa. For this Apollo hospitals have established 26 Apollo clinics and carrying forward the works on a successful note,” said Rama Krishna, Director, Sales, Apollo Foundation.
Healthcare experts felt that unlike earlier, the spread of HIV/AIDS is being viewed from a different perspective and it needs to be tackled differently with changing times. “Though the conventional efforts have proved effective in tackling the spread of HIV/AIDS, with changing times we need to adopt technology and use the mobile communication systems to spread awareness on a continuous basis,” observed Dr. Karuna Vakati, Commissioner, Health and Family welfare.
Particularly, the younger generations, the students, the illiterate population such as lorry drivers, wage workers, migration people need to be focused for creating regular awareness. In view of this TSACS is focusing on removing stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV/AIDS. For this the authorities are regularly conducing counselling, testing and providing treatment facilities free of cost at all government Hospitals. “Earlier people were reluctant to share their HIV status; however with spread of awareness people are now voluntarily coming forward and getting treated. Instead of class room lectures, we are spreading awareness through cultural activities, this is more effective in the rural areas and because of this we could achieve the success,” revealed Dr. John Babu.