BANGALORE: More than hundred advocates were given a brief presentation on HIV, ethical and legal issues surrounding the lives of people affected by HIV during the one-day Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop on establishment of legal service centres in Government ART (Anti Retroviral Therapy) centres. The workshop was organised by Karnataka State Aids Prevention Society in collabaration with Karnataka State Legal Service Authority. “Creating awareness among legal service providers about the problems faced by HIV affected people and free legal services that are available to HIV them is important. Today, HIV is not just an health issue, as it curtails development among youth. So Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society is creating an environment to make free legal services easily accessible to the affected communities,” said E V Ramana Reddy, Health Secretary. Salma K Fahim, project director, KSAPS said, “KSAPS will establish free legal aid centres in 41 government ART centres in collaboration with Karnataka State Legal Service Authority. These centres empower people living with HIV, who are deprived of basic fundamental rights.” Workers will be trained at the ART centres across Karnataka. Justice V V Angadi, member, SLSA said, “In 178 legal clinics, free legal service would be available and master trainers will train workers on legal and ethical issues regarding HIV.”