HIV/AIDS testing drive from December 1

Stating that the disease continues to be stigmatised, K Senthilraj, Project Director, Tamil Nadu State Aids Control Society (TANSACS), said, “10,526 were found to be positive last year and 5,262 this year. However, many people are not coming forward.”

While HIV/AIDS continues to be stigmatised in our state, expecting people to come forward to get themselves tested is a challenge, he said. The aim was to maximise case findings and TANSACS was organising a month-long programme this December for the general public to get tested for HIV AIDS.

He said, “we held a video call meeting with district authorities on Monday, wherein, we discussed the possibilities of carrying out such a programme. The month-long programme will be started on World AIDS Day, December 1.”The Active Case Finding Programme will involve officers proactively going around to talk to people from institutions identified by district officers.

“We will promise them anonymity to help them get over the fear. Institutions of different types will be identified, and we will send our counsellors there to explain to the staff there the importance of getting tested for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.