Health secretary calls for concerted efforts by all to keep HIV at bay 

 

                   

 

Port Blair, Dec. 2: The Principal Secretary for Health, Smt Archana Arora said the islands has high level of vulnerability to HIV infection, as it is becoming one of the major tourism hubs of the country. Inaugurating the World AIDS day programme at G B Pant Hospital auditorium at Port Blair on 1st last, she said though the HIV prevalence rate is low in the islands compared to the main land, the vulnerability to the disease is very high in view of increasing number of domestic as well as foreign tourists. She said the statistics available on HIV patients indicate that the HIV infection is on high. According to latest reports, out of 401 HIV /AIDS victims in the islands, 42 patients have already died. Smt Arora said since there is no cure for AIDS, prevention is the only way to keep HIV at bay. She called for the concerted efforts of every one to contain the spread of the disease in the islands. She also cautioned the medical practitioners and para medical persons especially Lab technicians to adopt all the precautionary measures to avoid the risk of HIV infection. She appealed them to always use disposable syringes and needles. As HIV easily spreads through blood contacts, the people should always insist on fresh blades during the shaving in the saloons, she added.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri S N Jha, Project Director for Andaman and Nicobar AIDS Control Society informed that so far more than about 1. 4 lakh persons have been tested for HIV and 401 have been confirmed as HIV positive in the islands. He said appropriate for the theme of this year – Universal Access and Human rights, the Islands AIDS control society makes all out efforts to enlighten the people about AIDS prevention and provided access to the free testing facilities for HIV at all levels, besides ensuring the human rights of the HIV victims. 

 

 Addressing the participants, Dr N Sadasivan, Director of Health Services lauded the role of National AIDS Control Organisation(NACO) in creating AIDS awareness at all levels and thereby reducing the rate of infection across the country at considerable level. He said ever since its inception in 1992 the NACO has been working effectively in coordinating various non governmental organizations and AIDS control societies across the country to achieve its goal of eradicating AIDS through prevention and creation of awareness at all levels. 

 

Earlier, the AIDS Control Society organized an awareness rally to spread the message – Stop AIDS and keep the promise. The islands Chief Secreatary, Shri Vivek Ray flagged off the rally at Nethaji stadium in the morning. A large number School students , sports persons and social workers took part in the rally.

 

World Aids day has been observed in other parts of these islands too with befitting programmes. In Diglipur, the Assistant Commissioner, Shri Udipt Prakash has flagged off an Aids awareness rally at Vivekanda Stadium this morning. A large number of students along with medical personnel took part in the rally, which culminated at Subhash Bazaar. Later, in the awareness programme held at Vivekanada Stadium, Shri Udipt Prakash talked about the importance of preventive measures to keep the HIV at bay. He also gave away the prizes to the winners of various Aids awareness contests held earlier. 

 

In an awareness programme held at PHC at Diglipur, the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Amitab Mukopadhyaya spoke on Aids prevention.

 

In the remote tribal island, Nancowry an awareness meet was held at Community Health Centre, in which Shri Mohammad, Asst Commissioner spoke. He also distributed cash awards to the winners of Aids awareness competitions. Earlier, in the morning he flagged off a rally of students and medical staff at CHC, Nancowry. 

 

In the southern most island Campbell Bay, an awareness programme was held at the Primary Health Centre.. Dr Sankar Saha spoke on Aids prevention and also gave away the prizes to winners of Aids awareness competitions. A number of people including medical personnel participated in the programme.