Port Blair, July 28: The A & N AIDS Control Society (ANACS) conducted a mainstreaming training programme on HIV/AIDS for the CRPF deployed for internal security duty at District Jail, Prothrapur on 27.07.2023 at 10.00 am. 42 personnel participated the training programme.

The programme was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Subrata Saha, Project Director, A & N AIDS Control Society.

Shri Girish Kumar, AD (SPM), ANACS conducted the training programme. He informed Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the white blood cells called CD4 cells. HIV destroys these CD4 cells, weakening a person’s immunity against opportunistic infections, such as tuberculosis and fungal infections, severe bacterial infections etc.

He also imparted knowledge about the increasing incident of HIV in person has sexual transmitted infections (STI). A person can have an STI without showing symptoms of disease. Common symptoms of STIs include vaginal discharge, urethral discharge.

HIV infection can be diagnosed using simple and affordable rapid diagnostic tests, as well as self-tests. It is important that HIV testing services follow the 5Cs: consent, confidentiality, counselling, correct results and connection with treatment and other services.

Shri Kaushik Kumar Halder, AD (IEC) imparted knowledge about Increase condom use during sex with sexual partner, which is the key in limiting HIV spread through sexual route.

Further, he also informed about HIV/AIDS (Prevention & Control) ACT, 2017 which to prohibits discrimination against persons with HIV and AIDS and No person shall be compelled to disclose his HIV status except by an order of court.

The participants were encouraged to come forward for ‘Knowing their HIV Status” by voluntarily getting themselves tested which will be kept confidential and ended with question and answer session.