Hyderabad: HIV AIDS awareness programme was conducted at the Cable Bridge as Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha participated in a human chain event organised by the Telangana AIDS Control Society.
The minister said the state organised rallies, human chains, and medical camps across Telangana to spread HIV AIDS awareness. He stressed that the virus weakens the immune system and can progress to AIDS without timely treatment.
According to him, HIV spreads through unprotected sexual contact and contaminated blood transfusions. However, he clarified that it does not spread through casual contact such as handshakes, hugging, or sharing food.
HIV AIDS awareness drive highlights prevention and treatment access
Rajanarsimha said lack of awareness leads to fear, stigma, and discrimination against patients. Therefore, he urged society to treat affected individuals with dignity and ensure equal rights.
Under the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, discrimination is a punishable offence. Moreover, he noted that early diagnosis and proper treatment allow patients to live for several decades.
The minister said the government provides free testing, treatment, and medicines. At present, 127 testing centres and 33 ART centres offer services to about 1.14 lakh patients across the state.
He also advised youth to avoid unhealthy lifestyles and substance abuse. In particular, he warned that drug use through injections increases the risk of HIV and other infections.
He added that healthy individuals build healthy families, which in turn strengthen society and the state.
హెచ్ఐవీ, ఎయిడ్స్పై అవగాహన కల్పిస్తూ తెలంగాణ ఎయిడ్స్ కంట్రోల్ సొసైటీ… కేబుల్ బ్రిడ్జ్పై నిర్వహించిన మానవహారం కార్యక్రమంలో ఆరోగ్యశాఖ మంత్రి దామోదర్ రాజనర్సింహ పాల్గొన్నారు
మంత్రి స్పీచ్ పాయింట్స్
సమాజంలో హెచ్ఐవీ/ఎయిడ్స్పై విస్తృత అవగాహన కల్పించేందుకు ఈ రోజు… pic.twitter.com/5isMbz97Nz
— Damodar Raja Narasimha (@DamodarCilarapu) April 9, 2026