A meeting of the District Community Resource Group was held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, during which HIV and AIDS–related awareness campaigns and the status of Children Affected by AIDS (CABA) were reviewed. The programme covers children in the 0–18 age group.
The Deputy Commissioner informed that 31 children in the district are HIV-positive and are receiving comprehensive support from the district administration in coordination with the Government of India and the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). He said that under the HIV/AIDS Act, the property rights of affected children are protected to prevent discrimination. Free Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and other medicines are being provided at government health centres, while strict confidentiality of their identities is maintained to protect them from social stigma. The health department is continuously monitoring their well-being, and all possible assistance is being extended by the administration.
A meeting of the District AIDS Prevention and Control Committee was also held, during which it was reported that the district has 333 HIV-positive cases. The committee is actively working to dispel myths and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, emphasizing that the disease does not spread through casual contact and that compassion and support are essential for affected individuals.
The Deputy Commissioner said that the District Community Resource Group functions under the District AIDS Prevention and Control Committee and, with the support of various NGOs, efforts are being made to bring affected individuals into the mainstream. Through convergence with state and central government schemes, opportunities for self-employment are being created. During the current financial year, 50 individuals have been trained in tailoring, while 20 have completed computer courses, with additional skill training ongoing under other programmes.
Expressing concern, the Deputy Commissioner noted the increasing incidence of HIV among drug-dependent youth, particularly due to the use of shared syringes. He appealed to the public to undergo HIV testing regularly and urged parents to remain vigilant about their children’s activities. He emphasized that early detection, medical treatment, and adherence to doctors’ advice enable HIV-positive individuals to lead healthy and productive lives.
