Port Blair, Sept. 28: The A&N AIDS Control Society (ANACS) conducted a mainstreaming training programme on HIV/AIDS for the officials and staffs of Directorate of Agriculture on 28.09.2022 at 11.00 am at the Conference hall of Directorate of Agriculture. A total of 35 participants participated the training programme.

The Programme commence with a welcome address by Dr. Chanda Srivastava, Joint Director (Agri), HQ.

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.

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 about increase condom use during sex with non-regular partner, which is the key to limiting HIV spread through sexual route. The condom promotion objectives aim to protect all sex acts that can put someone at the risk of HIV and/or unwanted pregnancies.

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

The participants were informed to come forward for ‘Knowing their HIV Status” by voluntarily getting themselves tested which will be kept confidential.

Shri Ramesh Kumar, Assistant Director (Agri), South Andaman ended with vote of thanks.