Only 2.75 lakh of the 3.25 lakh people living with HIV in Andhra Pradesh receiving treatment: APSACS Project Director

APSACS Project Director emphasizes HIV treatment, awareness, and eradication efforts in Andhra Pradesh, urging active youth involvement.

Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) Project Director A. Siri on Sunday (December 1) said an estimated 3.25 lakh people in the State were living with HIV, but only 2.75 lakh of them were currently receiving treatment.

Speaking at an awareness programme on AIDS, held at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada to mark World AIDS Day, she said efforts were underway globally to wipe out HIV completely by 2030.

She said it was a matter of grave concern that most of the HIV-affected population comprised youth in the State and informed that link ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy) centres were accessible within 50 kms for most individuals in the State.

She said the AIDS Control Society had been running campaigns using videos, short plays and street performances, by displaying messages at public places like railway stations, bus stands and by broadcasting through radio and TV and by organising kala jathas to reach the masses.

She encouraged youths to take active part in raising awareness through innovative methods such as social media flash mobs. Those who contributed significantly were felicitated with certificates and mementoes, she informed.

Dr. Siri urged people afflicted with the virus to adhere to the prescribed medications and lead a healthy life.

APSACS Additional Project Director Saraswathi pointed to this year’s theme of “Take the Rights Path” and said eradication of HIV was a shared responsibility achievable through widespread awareness.