HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Health Minister K. Rosaiah showed the way by voluntarily testing for HIV at the launch of the week-long `Be Bold' campaign on the World AIDS Day on Friday. Director General of Police Swaranjit Sen and Principal Secretary, Health, P. K. Agarwal followed suit.

The Minister and others launched the distribution of paediatric anti-retro-viral drugs for children and nutritious food packets to those who had tested positive for HIV. Mr. Rosaiah inaugurated a cartoon exhibition and a "condom cart" as part of a campaign by the Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust (HLFPPT) in Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Warangal and five towns in Prakasam district.

Relentless fight

The Minister asked teachers and lecturers to talk to young students about the dangers of the disease. Expressing concern that 45 per cent of the infections were occurring in the 15-29 age group, he wanted more NGOs to supplement the Government's efforts.

UNICEF State representative Michel St. Lot suggested a comprehensive child protection policy encompassing HIV/AIDS patients. He urged the Chief Minister to ask Ministers, MPs and MLAs to voluntarily get tested for HIV.

Mr. Agarwal stated that there was a paucity of safe blood in the State and red ribbon clubs were started to address the issue.

The DGP said the State had the dubious distinction of having the maximum number of sex workers in the country.

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