Hyderabad

Ministerfor Health Damodar Raja Narasimha on Thursday participated in a human chain programme organised on the cable bridge by the Telangana AIDS Control Society to promote awareness on HIV/AIDS.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister stated that, as part of statewide initiatives, rallies, human chains, and medical camps are being organised to enhance public awareness on HIV/AIDS.

Raja Narasimha explained that HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system and, if left untreated, can progress to AIDS. He clarified that HIV spreads through unprotected sexual contact, transfusion of contaminated blood, and similar causes, and does not spread through casual contact such as handshakes, hugging, or sharing food.

The Minister emphasised that lack of awareness leads to fear, misconceptions, and discrimination, and stressed that awareness is the only solution to address these challenges. He stated that people living with HIV should not face social discrimination and must be treated with dignity, support, and equal rights.

He further noted that under the HIV & AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, discrimination against HIV-positive individuals is a punishable offence.

Highlighting medical advancements, the Minister said that while HIV was once considered a fatal disease, timely testing and proper treatment now enable individuals to lead normal lives for several decades. The government is providing free testing, treatment, and medicines. Across the state, 1.14 lakh patients are receiving medical services through 127 testing centres and 33 ART centres. Special screening camps for HIV and TB are also being conducted in government general hospitals and prisons, he said.

The Minister urged youth to avoid sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy habits, and to stay away from drugs, particularly injectable drugs, which significantly increase the risk of HIV and other infections.

Stressing the importance of public health, he stated that without health, wealth has no value. Healthy individuals contribute to healthy families, which in turn build a strong society and a robust state.

He called upon all sections of society to work together towards building a more vibrant Telangana. Health Secretary Christina Chongthu, Commissioner for Health and Family Wealth Dr. Sangeetha Satyanarayana, Collector Ranga Reddy Narayana Reddy and others participated in the programme.(NSS)