'Downward trend' in AIDS cases a ray of hope, says Naidu

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, DEC. 1. The Chief Minister, Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, expressed optimism that Andhra Pradesh could reverse its dubious record of standing next to Maharashtra in high incidence of HIV positive cases by sustaining its present efforts to combat the disease.

Speaking at a Worlds AIDS Day function at Ravindra Bharathi here on Friday, he said surveillance of AIDS cases showed downward trend this year compared to last year giving rise to hope that it would not be long before its spread was reversed. This was very much in the realm of possibility considering the advances made in information technology and bio-technology.

He based his optimism on the fact that HIV positive cases among STD clinic attendees came down from 29.05 per cent in 1999 to 28.5 per cent in 2000. Similarly, statistics gathered from ante- natal clinics showed a marginal decline in HIV cases from 2.43 per cent in 1999 to 2.25 per cent this year.

Mr. Naidu said inhibition in talking about sex and stigma attached to sex-related diseases were the biggest hurdle in tackling disease. This was the reason why he gave a call at his videoconference with the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka that it was time to break the silence by encouraging a debate on these issues in offices and schools.

Describing AIDS as a scourge worse than war or any disease known before, he said 5.3 million new cases were detected during the current year alone. In India alone, there were 3.7 million cases of AIDS with Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu accounting for higher incidence. It could be inferred that incidence of AIDS was linked to a State's economic prosperity.

Mr. Naidu said that since commercial sex workers were found to be one of the main sources for spread of AIDS, the Government was seriously considering a move to instal condom vending machines at public places and liquor outlets so that the prophylactic could be purchased without inhibition.

He said a film on AIDS made by Mr.Pandit would be screened throughout the State so that every citizen viewed the film. He had advised his Ministers to speak briefly about AIDS before the end of every public speech. He cautioned people to be wary about fake advertisements offering a cure for AIDS because there was none in spite of advanced research.

Earlier, the Health Minister, Dr. S. Aruna, said the number of HIV positive cases in Andhra Pradesh was twice the national average. It was quite alarming that more than one-fourth of cases in STD clinics were testing positive for AIDS.

The Special Chief Secretary, Mr. C. Arjuna Rao, the UNICEF State Representative, Mr. William Thomson, and the Project Director of AIDS Control Society, Mr. K. Chandramouli, explained how men make a difference in controlling the spread of AIDS.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : CM promises people scam-free governance
Next     : More outlets for 'Vijaya' milk cards