Paramilitary starts campaign against HIV in NE

Aizawl, Nov 12 (UNI) The paramilitary forces have started a campaign against HIV/AIDs by condom distribution in the North East (NE) region following an increase of HIV positive cases.

Following the advice of Armed Forces Medical Services'(AFMS), Union Home Ministry has directed the paramilitary forces in the region to make sure that the jawans would carry condom and anti-malarial drugs while on duty and even when on leave.

Army sources stated that about 765 HIV positive cases were found among paramilitary personnel in the NE. The CRPF had conducted ELISA test among 10,000 of the 30,000 personnel posted in the region.

The CRPF would now conduct a Behavioural Surveillance Survey from next month in the NE, Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh and naxal-hit states to generate baseline data for formulation of future strategies against AIDS, sources informed.

Assam Rifles officials here said that free distribution of condoms among its personnel has been made mandatory.

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