CHENNAI: A programme to ensure implementation of NACP-V titled ‘2022 Campaign’ was organised by IHN in association with Alliance India, SIAAP and Sangama, recently. Around 100 representatives from NGO/CBO and people living with HIV/AIDS participated in the campaign.
Speaking on the occasion, Bakialakshmi, a woman living with HIV, said that abrupt ending of NACP-IV will lead to a reversal of the epidemic. “People living with HIV are still facing stigma and discrimination every day. At present, the health system is not in a position to address all the relevant issues of stigma and discrimination. Closure of HIV Testing Centres, STI Treatment Services, and ART Services may lead to adverse effects. Hence, there will be a steep increase in the prevalence of the epidemic,” she said.
Dr Indhumathi Ravishankar, program director, SIAAP, who released the promotional material said, “Government should continue the organisational and budgetary support to the National AIDS Control Programme after 2017. There is inadequate supply of kits and drugs and the whole system needs strengthening.”
A Bakthavatchalam, chairperson, IHN, who also spoke on the occasion, said that IHN was exclusively working for HIV/AIDS prevention, care and support in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, in single focus sector.