The India Post, Chandigarh 9th January, 2009 :The Executive Meeting of the State AIDS Control Society (SACS), Chandigarh was held today under the Chairmanship of Home-cum-Health Secretary, Mr. Ram Niwas. The meeting was attended by Director Health Services, Project Director, SACS, District Family Welfare Officer, President Indian Medical Association, Vice-President, Chandigarh Network of positive people, Secretary Servants of People Society.
The Committee complimented the 13 Targeted Intervention Projects being implemented through Non Government Organizations to provide care, support and treatment to the High Risk Groups. These projects have been instrumental in bringing down the prevalence of HIV in this city amongst the Female Sex Workers, Intravenous Drugs Users and patients having Sexually Transmitted Infections.
The Committee also approved the proposal to employ 10 people living with HIV/AIDS as outreach workers for the free counseling and testing centers. One new free testing and counseling centre has been opened in the ITBP, Chandigarh and another one is to open shortly in the University. This will facilitate creating awareness among the young vulnerable population.