HIV awareness campaigns to be stepped up

The need for awareness is essential for tackling new HIV positive cases particularly in rural areas although the district has been listed under “Category C” districts of the State for comparatively minimal HIV positive cases and HIV prevalence, said Collector S. Palanisamy.

The District Aids Prevention and Control Unit convened an awareness meeting for panchayat presidents to tackle HIV infections in rural areas on Thursday.

Mr. Palanisamy said unborn baby could be treated adequately to prevent the infection of HIV from the mother thanks to modern therapy and medical invention available for HIV positive pregnant women.

Meeting

As many as 1,158 HIV positive cases had been reported in the district. Since the panchayat presidents had better rapport with rural residents, an awareness meeting was held by DAPCU to educate them on AIDS prevention and brief them about welfare schemes, rehabilitation measures available for HIV positive people,

Deputy Collector S. Divyadharshini, Deputy Director for Health N. Kalusivalingam and Assistant Director for Panchayats Vishnubaran attended the meeting.

Source