Hyderabad: Telangana launched a major Telangana HIV awareness campaign with a 1,500-person rally in Hyderabad. Minister in-charge of Hyderabad Ponnam Prabhakar flagged off the rally and called for collective action to prevent HIV transmission.
The rally started at the HMDA Grounds and continued up to Necklace Road Railway Station. Officials, medical staff, students, volunteers and representatives of voluntary organisations participated.
The programme focused on raising public awareness about HIV, AIDS, syphilis and related health concerns. It also highlighted prevention, testing and treatment. Moreover, the government announced extensive awareness programmes across Telangana for two months from August 12.
Telangana HIV awareness drive stresses prevention
Ponnam Prabhakar said everyone had a social responsibility to help prevent HIV transmission. He also stressed the need to remove misconceptions surrounding HIV and AIDS. The minister called for greater awareness of preventive measures to reduce new HIV infections. At the same time, he stressed healthcare and support for people living with HIV.
He said medical services and treatment could help prevent transmission from mothers living with HIV to their children.
Therefore, Ponnam Prabhakar urged people to obtain accurate information about prevention, testing and treatment. He also asked them not to panic over the disease. The rally carried messages on HIV and AIDS prevention as participants travelled from the HMDA Grounds to Necklace Road Railway Station.
Telangana HIV awareness programmes to run for two months
The minister said the state would conduct extensive publicity and awareness activities for two months from August 12. He urged people to participate in large numbers. Furthermore, he called on citizens to become active partners in efforts to control HIV and AIDS.
The government adopted the slogan, “Be Positive – Stop HIV Positive,” for the campaign. Ponnam Prabhakar said the government, Health Department and Telangana State AIDS Control Society were coordinating their efforts. He said they aimed to work towards making Telangana an HIV-free state.
The Telangana HIV awareness initiative also sought to improve public understanding of testing and available treatment. In addition, the campaign focused on reducing misconceptions about people living with HIV.
Telangana State AIDS Control Society Project Director Vidyasagar participated in the programme. Health Department Principal Secretary Christina Z. Chongthu also attended.
GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan and Information Department Commissioner Mukund Reddy took part in the event. Several other officials, medical personnel, NGO representatives, students and awareness workers also joined the rally.