Date:09/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/09/stories/2008030954630600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

‘Talk about AIDS’

Staff Reporter

ANANTAPUR: Elected representatives at all levels have a responsibility on creating awareness about HIV/AIDS among public, Minister for Panachayat Raj J.C. Diwakar Reddy said here on Saturday.

They can take the subject into the public domain better than others, he felt.

Speaking at an awareness meeting organised by elected representatives of local bodies, officials and voluntary organisations on HIV/AIDS by Andhra Pradesh Legislators’ Forum on HIV/AIDS, he said there should not be any hesitation in talking about AIDS to create better awareness on the dreaded disease.

Zilla Parishad Chairperson T. Kavitha said institutional deliveries should be encouraged as one of the measures to check spread of the disease and proper care should be taken for HIV positives.

District Collector N. Sridhar said publicity about the disease will help its spread. Convenor of the forum and Singanamala legislator S. Sailajanath said about five lakh people had undergone HIV tests in the State.