Ensure Tamil Nadu is Free of AIDS, Says Jaya
CHENNAI: Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Monday appealed to the people to show compassion to the HIV and AIDS afflicted persons and create awareness about AIDS in the society. “Let us vow to ensure an AIDS-free Tamil Nadu”, she said in her World AIDS day message.
She said the theme for the World AIDS Day this year is, “Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths.”
“In Tamil Nadu there are 2038 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres for testing HIV infection, 16 Mobile Laboratories, 55 Antiretroviral Treatment Centres for treatment of the infected, 173 Link Antiretroviral Treatment Centres and 16 Legal help desks are functioning”, the Chief Minister said.
Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society, functioning under the state government is conducting awareness programmes. Also, for High School and Higher Secondary School students under the age group of 13 to 18 years Life Skills Education is conducted. For college students the awareness programme is conducted through the Red Cross.
The state government also formed Tamil Nadu Trust for Children Affected by AIDS and deposited Rs 10 crore. The interest generated from the deposit is spent for education and health care of these children. For farmers infected with HIV, monthly ` 1,000 is given.