KHLIEHRIAT, July 20: In a bid to address the menace of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in East Jaintia Hills, a tracing and treatment drive was launched by Deputy Commissioner A Baranwal on Wednesday.
Implemented by the Meghalaya State Network of Positive People, the objective of the drive is to trace people living with HIV and provide Antiretroviral Therapy Treatment (ART) to them.
The DC, in his address, said that the drive will ensure that all people infected with HIV are provided regular ART and their family members are also tested for the infection.
“The drive will also create awareness among the public that through the help of the ART, a person who is infected with HIV can live a normal life and also stigmatisation against them can be prevented,” he said. The DC also patted the ones responsible for the inception of the project, which costs between Rs 3.5 lakh to 4 lakh.
It was also informed during the programme that the ART has been made available at Khliehriat CHC.
Meanwhile, anyone requiring treatment has been asked to contact 8732015954. The identity of the person will also be kept confidential, it was informed.
Others who were part of the programme include district officials, health officials, members of Meghalaya Aids Control Society and Meghalaya State Network of Positive People, among others.
