Port Blair, Aug 25: A&N AIDS Control Society (ANACS) conducted a mainstreaming training programme on HIV/AIDS for the in-service Police Personnel of A&N Islands from the rank of PC to Inspector and Home Guards on 24th August 2022 at Police Training School. 55 police personnel participated in the training programme.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Mr. M.K Shukla (Vice-Principal, PTS), (DANIPS). Mrs. Abita Bachan (Inspector), PTS coordinated the whole programme.
Mr. Girish Kumar, AD (SPM), ANACS conducted the training programme. He informed about the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the white blood cells called CD4 cells. HIV destroys these CD4 cells, weakening a person’s immunity against opportunistic infections, such as tuberculosis and fungal infections, severe bacterial infections, etc.
HIV infection can be diagnosed using simple and affordable rapid diagnostic tests, as well as self-tests. HIV testing services must follow the 5Cs: consent, confidentiality, counselling, correct results and connection with treatment and other services.
Mr. Kaushik Kumar Halder, AD (IEC) imparted about condom use during sex with a non-regular partner, which is the key to limiting HIV spread through the sexual route. The condom promotion objectives aim to protect all sex acts that can put someone at risk of HIV and/or unwanted pregnancies.
Further, he also informed about HIV/AIDS (Prevention & Control) ACT, 2017 to prevent and control the spread of HIV/ AIDS, prohibits discrimination against persons with HIV and AIDS and No person should be compelled to disclose HIV status except by an order of the court.
Mr. S. Senthil Nathan, AD (CST) imparted about the increasing number of sexually transmitted infections (STI) spread predominantly by sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Some STIs can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. A person can have an STI without showing symptoms of the disease. Common symptoms of STIs include vaginal discharge, urethral discharge or burning in men, genital ulcers and abdominal pain.
The participants were informed to come forward for ‘Knowing their HIV Status” by voluntarily getting themselves tested which will be kept confidential. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Girish Kumar, Inspector, PTS.
