Vizag Collector calls for greater HIV/AIDS awareness
Visakhapatnam district Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore on Monday said that increasing public awareness about HIV/AIDS was essential to controlling the spread of the disease. He
Visakhapatnam district Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore on Monday said that increasing public awareness about HIV/AIDS was essential to controlling the spread of the disease. He urged people to treat persons living with HIV equally and avoid discrimination, misconceptions and neglect. Kishore, along with Joint Collector G.
Vidyadhari and officials, released HIV/AIDS awareness publicity material and a health handbook prepared by the Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) at the Collectorate. The Collector advised couples to undergo HIV tests before pregnancy, maintain mutual trust, avoid sharing used needles and syringes, and use screened, safe blood when required.
The Collector added that discrimination against persons living with HIV was an offence under the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017. He informed that those living with HIV/AIDS had equal rights to employment, education and medical services. He urged people to dispel misconceptions and seek information, advice and guidance through the APSACS toll-free helpline 1097.
District Medical and Health Officer P. Jagadishwara Rao, District Coordinator of Hospital Services Dr. Narendra Singh, Additional District Coordinator Satyaveni and officials from various departments attended the programme.
The BriefWire