24 Sep : State AIDS Control Society (SACS), UT, Chandigarh organized a health-cum-awareness camp in collaboration with the NGO Indian Public Health Association, Chandigarh Branch at Industrial Area Phase 1, Chandigarh today on September 24, 2010. The major focus of health camp was to sensitize single male migrants working at industrial area, Chandigarh. Approximately total of 150 participants attended the camp.
Dr. Vanita Gupta, Project Director, Chandigarh AIDS Control Society informed that an important source of HIV-related vulnerability is mobility and migration. There are strong evidences regarding the importance of migration in the spread of HIV infection. Data clearly indicates that the HIV positivity in migrants is 10 times more than the general population.
The participants were sensitized on safe sexual health practices. They were informed that majority of HIV infection (more than 85%) have been resulted from unsafe sexual contact with infected partner. Importance of correct and consistent usage of condom was also discussed at the camp. Free condoms were distributed to the participants.
Facility of free treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) was also provided at the camp. Dr. Inderpal Singh provided the treatment as per STI syndromic management protocol developed by NACO.
A makeshift Integrated Counseling & Testing Centre (ICTC) was also put up wherein free counselling and testing facilities were provided to the participants. 58 migrants availed the counselling and testing facilities.
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material was also distributed freely among the participants.