Now information about HIV/AIDs through Satellite

Mysore, Sep 18 (UNI) A unique programme of diseminating information 'Arivu' through satellite about the facilities the government provides for the betterment of sex workers was held at the Abdul Nazir Sab institute of rural development here today.

The programme was jointly organised by Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT) and Karnataka AIDS prevention society in collaboration with State Social Welfare department and other NGOs mainly to address the grievances of about one lakh sex workers and their children across the state who are deprived of the benefits.

The first time in the country, satellite based technology was being used to empower sex workers collectives to become more active partners in the response to HIV.

The satellite Communication (SATCOM) centre made operational by Indian Space Research Organisations (ISRO) was located at the state Institute for rural development, here receiving stations are located in the 29 districts in the District Training Institutes and District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETS) at each receiving centre, 35 women took part.

Sex workers from the most important group when it comes to AIDS response. We are very happy to partner with collectives from across Karnataka. Their contribution to the HIV prevention programme was invaluable, said Ms Sujtha, Rao director General and National AIDS control Organisations (NACO).

She urged them to use such innovative training workshops, to think big, grow in scale and develop the organizational capcity to make a decisive differences to the epidemic.

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