2,501 persons affected with HIV/AIDS in district

He was addressing a press conference at SNR Hospital in Kolar on Tuesday.

Giving out taluk-wise data, Dr Jagadish said Kolar taluk has a total of 753 HIV/AIDS affected persons are in Kolar, 570 in Bangarpet, 429 Mulbagal, 335 in Srinivaspur and 414 cases in Malur.

The Antiretroviral treatment (ART) centres have been opened at four taluk government hospitals, he said.

He further said that data with regard to persons living with HIV/AIDS and those who have died of dreaded disease is being gathered with the help of non-voluntary organisations in the district and by March end, the data will be ready.

The affected persons are being identified and they would be given APL/BPL cards. He also explained about treatment available for pregnant women living with HIV/AIDS.

At the SNR Hospital, a 20-bed ward will be exclusively provided for the HIV/AIDS patients at the SNR Hospital. Samagra, a non-voluntary organisation is also a part of this cause.

Apart from it, HIV affected persons who are also suffering from TB have been provided 20-bed separate wards, he added.

At the SNR Hospital, the CD-4 blood count for HIV/AIDS patients will be offered at free of cost.
From 2006 to 2010, as many as 3475 cases have been registered at the ART Centre of which 963 cases have undergone ART, he added. 

With Wednesday being the World AIDS Day, an awareness programme will be conducted.

Zilla Panchayat president Mangamma Muniswamy will inaugurate the procession that will pass through M G Roadm Doddapet, Clock Tower, New Bus Stand and Holster Memorial Hall.

The participants will light candle in the evening and take oath to fight against the dreaded disease.