The Himachal Pradesh Government has launched a campaign to eradicate AIDS from the state as a public health hazard by the year 2030 as per the target set by the Central Government.
“The government has launched a decisive campaign against AIDS with the goal of three zero which includes zero infection, zero death and zero discrimination.
To provide testing facilities to the residents at their door-steps, efforts are being made to provide testing facilities up to health sub-center level," said an official spokesman.
He said, “To achieve the goal of making Himachal Pradesh AIDS free-state, the government's landmark steps like test and treat and Mission Sampark are proving successful.
About three lakh HIV tests were being done every year in the state. Apart from 45 Integrated Testing and Counselling Centers (ICTCs) in the state, HIV testing facilities are also being provided through two mobile ICTCs.”
The government has set up three Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and three Facility Integrated Anti-Retroviral Therapy (FI-ART) centers in the state to provide ART to People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and 4,646 PLHIV are being treated with Antiretroviral Therapy in the state.
Prevention from parent to child transmission (PPTCT) programme is also being implemented by the State Government for eliminating HIV infection in children. Under the programme, pregnant women are being tested for HIV and in case women are detected HIV positive then procedure is adopted for prevention of HIV transmission to her new born child.
Every year about one lakh pregnant women are being tested for HIV in the state, the spokesperson said.
Apart from this, the government has started a financial support scheme of Rs 1500 per month for PLHIVs in 2019. Under the scheme, Himachalis taking ART in the state are being given the benefit of this scheme.
Elaborating about the awareness campaign, the spokesman said that the government has launched vigorous awareness campaigns through radio, TV, newspapers, hoardings, folk media and other media including awareness activities during fairs and festivals for prevention of HIV and AIDS.
Special awareness campaigns were also being conducted on the occasion of International and National Youth Days, World AIDS Day and International Women Day. Toll-free helpline number 1097 has been established at the national level for any kind of information and counselling on HIV and AIDS which can be called from any mobile or landline, he added.