Andhra Pradesh - Kadapa

‘Most HIV positive cases in 15-29 age group’

KADAPA: Regional Joint Director of Medical and Health Mohan Rao on Friday called for measures to create awareness among the youth in order to check HIV/AIDS.

Addressing master trainers on AIDS prevention at a programme organised by the District AIDS Control Council and forming of Red Ribbon Clubs at the Collectorate Sabha Bhavan, he said 31 per cent of AIDS victims were between 15 and 29 years of age and constituted 25 per cent of population. He wanted Red Ribbon Clubs formed in colleges by involving students.

Tuberculosis patients should be wary and undergo treatment at RIMS Hospital as they were more prone to get AIDS, Dr. Mohan Rao said.

District Medical and Health officer T. Venkataramana Reddy said youth addicted to vices were afflicted by HIV/AIDS and master trainers should explain the precautionary aspects.

Health Education Officer Gunasekhar wanted college students enlightened on the precautions. The State had about five lakh AIDS patients while Kadapa district has nearly 20,000 HIV/AIDS patients. Forty one AIDS testing centres were functioning in Kadapa district, Dr. Gunasekhar said. AIDS would spread by unbridled sex and reuse of used syringes and transfusion of infected blood, he said.

Deputy medical and health officer Easwaraiah, district programme manager Naresh, and other officials and lecturers participated.

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