On the eve of World AIDS Day, scores of people on Saturday participated in a Candle March that started at the District Jaiprakash Hospital and culminated in a gathering at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla.
Organised by the district health department, the rally provided information on the causes of HIV infection and its prevention.
Awareness activities were also held to eliminate social discrimination and misconceptions about people living with AIDS. This year, the theme for the day is "Adopt the Path of Rights – My Health, My Right."
Speaking to participants, Shukla said that AIDS is a serious disease and the best way to prevent it is by being aware of it.
The Public Health and Medical Education Department of Madhya Pradesh is providing free HIV testing facilities at government health institutions. The full cost of treatment is also borne by the government.
Shukla stated that understanding the four main causes of this disease and avoiding them can help control its spread. Along with raising awareness about AIDS, it is also important to eliminate social discrimination and misconceptions about people living with the disease.
Under the National AIDS Control Programme, the 95-95-95 target has been set. By 2030, 95% of people at risk of HIV should be aware of their HIV status, 95% of people living with HIV should receive ART treatment, and 95% of those on ART treatment should have their viral load suppressed.
Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari explained that HIV infection can be prevented by using condoms during sexual intercourse, using blood only from licensed blood banks, using a new syringe every time, and mandatory HIV testing during pregnancy.
Addressing misconceptions, he stressed that HIV is not spread through sharing meals, handshakes, or hugs, using common items like dishes, clothes, bedding, toilets, telephones, swimming pools, coughing, sneezing, mosquito bites, or bites from household insects.
Free and confidential HIV testing and counselling services are available at nine Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers (ICTC) facilities in the city. These tests can be conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Gandhi Medical College, Sultania Maternity Hospital, Jaiprakash District Hospital, Civil Hospital Bairagarh, Civil Hospital Dr. Kailashnath Katju, TB Hospital, Civil Bairasia, and Community
