India may be 1st country to be AIDS-free: UNAIDS

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

New Delhi, Aug 30 (UNI) UNAIDS Country Coordinator Denis Broun today said he was confident India would be the first country from where AIDS could be wiped out through concerted efforts.

Speaking at the concluding day of the three-day 'Orientation Training Course' on HIV/AIDS counselling for the para-medical staff of Central Police Forces at National Security Guard (NSG) headquarters here, Mr Broun said, presently, our aim is to cover all the armed forces by 2007.

''Despite nearly five million HIV affected in India, we do not see the task of eradicating AIDS from the country as impossible, because he level of willingness to fight the scourge is very high which is an encouraging sign.'' And counselling was a major step in that direction, which NSG has initiated for its people and those from other para-military forces, he said adding that 154 institutions would be involved in spreading awareness to reduce vulnerability of the affected.

Delhi State AIDS Control Society project director Dr J P Kapoor said the programme, a landmark in the history of security forces, was for building skills which could lead to behavioural change among victims through counselling.

The 3-day session was just the beginning in the long fight against the deadly virus and with determined efforts would help rid the security forces from it at the earliest, he added.

NSG Director General J K Dutt said change in behaviour was crucial for the success of the initiative which could be achieved through counselling and it was a matter of pride that NSG had taken the first such step.

''This training, first of its kind in the central police forces, is aimed at improving the counselling skills of those working at Voluntary, Confidential, Counselling and Testing Centres in CPF hospitals.

The 3-day workshop, part of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) two-year 'Action Plan' for prevention of HIV/AIDS in central forces which kick-started in April this year, had 26 participants from CRPF, BSF, CISF, SSB, ITBP, Assam Rifles and NSG.

UNI AN PK HS1931

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