ART drugs available at all health centres in AP: Official

 Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) marked the World AIDS Day on Friday with a state-level “Let Communities Lead” awareness programme at the Tummalapalli Kalakshetra in Vijayawada on Friday.

Speaking on the occasion, APSACS project director, Dr. L.S.B. Rajendra Kumar, said AP has only 13 per cent of Aids cases in the country. He said due to the innovative programmes taken up by Aids community elders and partners, the percentage of HIV infections in the state has reduced by 68 per cent compared to 2014.

Dr. Rajendra Kumar said Andhra Pradesh has achieved good results on the Aids front, standing as an example for the entire country. He underlined that everyone must take the responsibility of ensuring that no new cases of HIV occur in the state. He pointed out that ART drugs are available in all health centres in the state and it is the responsibility of patients to take the drugs and stay safe.

Noted doctor Dr. Goparaju Samaram said he has been treating HIV patients since 1990 and helping them lead a normal life. Till about two decades ago, Africa topped the world in HIV patients and India had been second. But now, the measures taken by governments in India are yielding results, with Aids patients being only 0.2 per cent.

Dr. Samaram hoped that by 2030, HIV disease will be completely eradicated from our society. He said there is no need to fear as medicines are available now. People with Aids can also lead a happy married life by taking some precautions, he stated.

AP State Planning Board vice chairman and Vijayawada Central MLA Malladi Vishnu said it is good news that the number of HIV cases in the state have reduced considerably. On the occasion, Vishnu presented awards to organisations and personnel who have contributed significantly towards containing Aids.

Rajamahendravaram Central Jail SP Rahul and additional project director Koteswari participated in the programme.