Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu on Wednesday emphasised that there is “no need to fear AIDS”, stressing that precaution, awareness and understanding are key as Dharwad’s HIV positivity rate continues to fall — now at 0.38%.
She was speaking after flagging off a World AIDS Day awareness rally organised by the District Health and Family Welfare Department.
Awareness must reach every household
Highlighting that HIV/AIDS has impacted humanity for four decades, the DC said the district is pushing for complete elimination of the disease through programmes extended from the district level to taluks and villages.
Folk-art teams are being used to spread Information, Education and Communication (IEC) messages, along with pamphlets, posters, wall displays and media campaigns. Youth-targeted awareness sessions are being held across the district.
Strong district-level support systems
Dharwad currently has:
- 11 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTC)
- 32 PHCs with F-ICTC services
- 1 PPP centre
- 2 ART centres
- 2 STI treatment centres
- 10 blood banks
- 5 support and care centres
All government hospitals offer free testing, treatment, medication and care for HIV-positive individuals.
Support for vulnerable children and families
The DC said 2,037 orphaned or vulnerable children have been aided under the District Child Protection Unit’s special foster-care scheme.
Additionally:
- 371 HIV-affected individuals received assistance under the Anna Antyodaya programme.
- 476 beneficiaries were selected for housing under the Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Scheme.
- Skill-development training and other state welfare benefits are being extended.
Rally through key city routes
Senior Civil Judge P. F. Doddamani and DHO S. M. Honakeri also addressed the gathering.
The rally began at the DHO office, moved through Dharwad Old Bus Stand, Vivekananda Circle, Alur Venkatarao Circle, and returned to the starting point.