Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada

Need for additional mobile testing centre: Pradyumna

VIJAYAWADA: Municipal Commissioner P. S. Pradyumna on Monday said the city had high incidence of AIDS cases and, therefore, there was a need to press into service an additional mobile HIV testing centre in the corporation limits to check the rapid spread of the virus.

He was addressing a meeting organised at Tummalapallivari Kshetrayya Kalakshetram in connection with the World AIDS Day, after inaugurating a mobile Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) for treatment of HIV/AIDS patients in Krishna and Khammam districts.

Mr. Pradyumna said going by the high number of cases prevalent in the VMC limits, the Government must allot an additional mobile ICTC exclusively for Vijaywada city. It was important to identify and acknowledge the existence of AIDS cases. “Unlike in the past, when the dismal awareness level among public resulted in social stigma, people now discuss openly about the issue. This is because of the series of programmes launched by the State Government to remove stigma and discrimination against HIV positive or AIDS patients,” he maintained.

T.V.S.N. Sastry, Additional District Medical and Health Officer and AIDS and Leprosy Officer, Krishna district, spoke about the essence of this year’s theme – Lead, Empower and Deliver. He said the ‘Mee Nestam’ campaign was aimed at providing district-specific information on condom usage, counselling, HIV testing, care and support and ART treatment.

A book on legal rights of PLHA (People Living with HIV/AIDS) was released; integrated counselling and testing centres were launched in private nursing homes under Public-Private Partnership and a facility for STD treatment through 1,200 private STD practitioners. He also listed the several other initiatives of the Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS).

Former MP and president of Vasavya Mahila Mandali (VMM), a non-governmental organisation working for community-based care and support for the HIV infected and affected children, emphasised the need to inculcate morality and right values in the younger lot. National president-elect of the Indian Medical Association G. Samaram called upon youth and women to play an active role. A rally that was flagged off at the Municipal Guest House culminated in the meeting.

Children from VMM performed a mime titled ‘War against HIV/AIDS’. Mementoes were presented to VMM, Saathi, Ches+ and IRDS for their outstanding work in the field of AIDS control.

Corporator of 42nd division Kunuku Rajasekhar presided over the meeting, while Col. R.B. Paleti, Commanding Officer of the NCC 17th battalion, Vijayawada and others participated.

GUNTUR: A legislative Act guaranteeing rights to HIV/AIDS infected persons is likely to be tabled at the forthcoming winter session of the Parliament beginning on December 10, Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament J.D. Seelam said on Monday.

Addressing the World AIDS Day celebrations held at the Ambedkar Bhavan here, he said that persons affected by HIV/AIDS have neither grievance redress mechanism nor a set of laws to punish those discriminating against HIV/AIDS infected persons.

While appreciating the efforts of the NGOs in launching a concerted fight against the menace, he advised them to inform the public representatives and involve them in various initiatives. Collector B. Venkatesham called for a free wheeling discussion on the subject He lauded the efforts of the Charca project and the NGOs.Zilla Parishat Chairperson Kuchipudi Vijaya, D.M. & H.O Suresh Kumar, additional D.M & H.O Uma Devi and representatives of various NGOs including TNP+, SHIP, Rasi etc were present.

Over 300 HIV affected children were given sun glasses by the International Fellowship of Scouts and Guides through G. Ranga Rao. Children entertained the audience with energetic song and dance performances.

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