Legislators redefine role in AIDS respoonse

Hyderabad, Jan 31 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh legislators cutting across party lines deliberated on their role in HIV response at a special meeting of AP Legislators' Forum on HIV/AIDS(APLFA) organised by the state AIDS Control Society and the Andhra Pradesh Legislators' Forum.

State Health and Family Welfare Minister K Rosiah addressing the forum said the core objectives of the Forum was to involve the people's representaives from all political parties in fightig the HIV epidemic.

Legislators were also expected to extend their support to all the organisations working in combating HIV/AIDS in their respective constituencies.

The Minister reiterated that although lot of efforts were being made there was no room for complacency as the prevalence rates were high in the state.

The state-level forum would encourage formation of district and mandal level committees to esnure that the people's representatives play their role in guiding the implementing agencies to fight the epedemic.

The Legislators' Forum called for a sepecial meeting to consolidate the commitment of the legislators and identify a comprehensive strategy addressing different dimensions of the epidemic.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to work in convergence and periodically hold review meets.

APLF also decided to come out with a detailed action plan to strengthen the effors of the state in combating the HIV virus.

UNI