Karnataka - Shimoga   

AIDS awareness for inmates of district jail

Special Correspondent

SHIMOGA: An awareness camp on HIV/AIDS for the inmates of the district jail was held here on Thursday under the auspices of the Shimoga branch of the Fulfilling of People’s Aspirations of India (FPAI),the Hosakirana Network of Positive People and Aditya Diagnostics.

Secretary general of the FPAI V.M. Koliwad said

He said that the Government had taken the responsibility of creating awareness among the jail inmates in Andhra Pradesh whereas in Karnataka it was being done by the voluntary organisations. Persons with HIV could lead a normal life.

K.N. Sanjay of the Aditya Diagnostics said that there was no need to be afraid about HIV/AIDS as it could be tackled with like any other virus. Unsafe sex or reusing syringes could spread the virus.

Drug addicts appeared to be more prone to the HIV/AIDS as they were in the habit of sharing syringes. If persons came forward to undergo a HIV positive test their identity would be kept confidential.

Dr. Sanjay said there was a possibility of the HIV infection being spread to infants through breastfeeding by lactating mothers with HIV.

National president of the FPAI Mohan N. Tavargeri who inaugurated the programme hoped that the inmates would come out of the jail even before the completion of their term by showing a good conduct. Jail superintendent D. Sangappa spoke.

Counsellor of the Good Samaritan Hosakirana Network of Positive People J.M. Philomina said 30 jail inmates had come forward to undergo the HIV test.

President of the Hosakirana Network of Positive People Arvind Victor and the Chief Warder Tippa Naik were present on the occasion.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

‘Studies in favour of sex education in schools’
AIDS awareness for inmates of district jail

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu