Date:03/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/03/stories/2008120352660300.htm

Tamil Nadu

HIV: voluntary testing begins in Namakkal district

Staff Reporter

NAMAKKAL: The Namakkal district administration launched a massive voluntary HIV testing programme in all the parts of the district on World AIDS Day on December 1.

Inaugurating the programme, Collector U. Sagayam said the administration has deployed 20 mobile units to extend testing services to all the people in the district. The details of persons who undergo tests at these units would be kept confidential. In the first phase, the programme would be carried out through primary health centres till December 3. An intensive testing service would be launched in each block in the district in the second phase.

The Collector asked people to come forward for voluntary testing, which is very vital to check the spread of the disease.

About 5,000 people living with HIV/AIDS are coming for regular treatment.

Mr. Sagayam called upon the people, officials and members of voluntary organisations to cooperate with the district administration to step up fight against HIV, combat stigma associated with the disease and enhance the treatment support.