Bhargava interacts with HIV affected children

Vijayawada, Jan 9 (UNI) National Knowledge Commission Vice-Chairman P M Bhargava today heard the plight of the HIV-infected children of coastal Andhra Pradesh in a meeting organised by Vasavya Mahila Mandali here.

Dr Bhargava said he predicted the HIV or AIDS breakout in 1990 when Vijayabhaskara Reddy was the Chief Minister of the State and prepared an action plan to counter the menace.

Later there was a quick response from the State Government which ordered the formation of a committee headed by him and sanctioned Rs 50 lakh for the formation of an action plan, he said. However, nothing had materialised and due to non-sanctioning of funds, the children were suffering, he noted.

There were three aspects to tackle the problem of HIV or AIDS, he said, adding awareness should be created among the people about the HIV problem and preventive measures should be taken to stop the spread of disease.

Dr Bhargava said research should be undertaken to curb the disease and called upon the people to be sympathetic towards the HIV infected or affected children.

''I am happy to learn that all the children were studying and are optimistic of the future'', he added.

He appreciated the efforts of the organiser in making the children self-confident and bold enough to face the problem.

UNI