Jammu March 18 (INFO): Expressing concern over the alarming surge of HIV infections and terming AIDS as one of the most dreaded diseases that has thepotential of wiping the face of humanity from the surface of Earth, Minister for Youth, Services and Sports Haji Nissar Ali has called upon all sections of society to coordinate for checking this menace from further spreading.
The Minister was speaking at the valedictory function of 12 day J&K State. HIV/AIDS counsellors training programme organized by PG department of Psychology University of Jammu in collaboration with state AIDS Control Society under the aegis of National AIDS Control Society (NACO), here today.
The Minister impressed upon the people to follow morality and ethics as preached by various religions while dealing with their day to day affairs of life including going for matrimonial alliances rather than wasting their life in sexual adventurism. He said, following the prescribed social and religious more helps in setting the things in society in order.
Earlier, the Minister was informed HIV counselling has become one of the most important components in the provision of prevention, treatment and care services over the past years in India especially in the J&K State. Under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP-III), the integrated counselling and testing (ICTC) centres and PPTCT services are being expanded from the current district and tertiary care level to CHC and PHC levels especially in rural areas.
The Minister appreciated the role of HIV counsellors in the society and stressed upon them to fully utilize the knowledge gained during the training. Dr.M.A.Wani, Director State AIDS Control Society was the guest of honour in the function. Welcome address was presented by Prof. S.R.Khan, Head, PG Department of Psychology, University of Jammu and Dr. Arti Bakshi, reader, PG department of Psychology, University of Jammu and Training Coordinator presented a report of the twelve day training programme also the vote of thanks. Fourteen HIV counsellors from all over the state were presented certificates of
participation.
Later, the Minister presented certificates of participation to the counsellors who attended the training purpose.