The Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society on Tuesday launched the 21st Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre here which would provide free confidential testing for HIV and Syphilis, in the Transport Area, Sector 26.
The Centre was inaugurated by the Health Secretary Anurag Aggarwal. He appreciated the efforts of the Department and various partner NGOs in bringing down the HIV prevalence in Chandigarh to a low 0.11%, far below the National prevalence of 0.27%.
The Testing Centre is strategically located in an area where the “Bridge” population comprising of truckers and migrants can easily access the testing services. There are about 250 long distance trucks which visit this halt point. These truck drivers and attendants travelling more than 800 km. away from home are vulnerable to HIV and STIs.
One targeted intervention project for truckers and another for migrants is being implemented by CSACS through the TCIF in the hot spot areas of Sector 26, Manimajra, Daria and around.
The facility of confidential counseling and testing has been established with the financial and physical support of the TCIF. It is expected that with the establishment of this Centre, testing of the High Risk Groups leading to early detection of the disease and early initiation of treatment, would eventually lead to stoppage of HIV transmission.
Manish Chandra, Project Head from TCIF announced that the laboratory would soon also provide free basic tests to the Community.