Sri Vijaya Puram, Dec 21: Three days Comprehensive Training and review meeting of Facility Level Staff organized by A&N AIDS Control Society (ANACS) from 17th to 19th December, 2025 in the conference hall of Department of Industries, Middle Point, Sri Vijaya Puram. Participants were Counsellors and Lab. Technicians from 13 ICTCs of A&N Islands, and also from Jan Lok Kalyan Parishad (NGO). Around 45 participants were benefitted from this training programme.
Dr. H.M. Sidda Raju, Director of Health Services/ Vice Chairperson ANACS, A & N Administration graced the inaugural function as Chief Guest in the presence of Dr. Subrata Saha, Project Director ANACS.
Dr. H. M. Sidda Raju highlighted the importance of effective counselling by trained counsellors and emphasized that similar training should also be extended to other medical workers. He also stressed the need for healthcare professionals to stay updated with evolving developments in the field. Additionally, he pointed out that since our islands are a major tourist hub, there is a possibility of an increase in cases; therefore, preparedness and proactive awareness creation are essential.
Dr. Subrata Saha, Project Director ANACS in his key note address, briefed on the objective of the training and highlighted that the training programme focused on NACP-V objectives.
The participants were earlier welcomed by Mr. Vivekanand Singh, Deputy Director, Basic Service Division.
The training session included Introduction to the National HIV-AIDS Control Programe (NACP) and National AIDS Control Organizaton (NACO), Elimination of Vertical Transmission of HIV and Syphilis, basic Counselling Skills, Index Testing Services, Screening and Management of Opportunistic Infection & Co- Morbidities, Post Exposure Prophylaxis, Universal Work Precautions and Pre- Exposure Prophylaxis, Drivers of the HIV Epidemic, Planning and Implementing Mobile Outreach Activities, Condom Use, Counselling for Adolescents living with HIV (PLHIV) and Adolescent at risk, Anti- Retro Viral Treatment and Mangement of PLHIV and Family Planning methods for PLHIV
The resource persons included Mr. Jimreeves Kirubakaran, National Programme Manager from FHI India, Dr. Arjun Sivadas K K, Senior Medical Officer from NTEP, Dr. Jahanara Yasmeen, DD(MS & IEC), Dr. Shajimon Simon, MO i/c FI-ART, Mr. Vivekanand Singh, DD(BSD), Dr. P.K. Sikdar, AD (LSD), Mr. G. Venkateswar Rao, Counsellor and Mrs. Priyanka Das, Counsellor from ANACS.
The three days comprehensive training and review meeting of facility level staff was concluded by distribution of certificates to the participants followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. P.K. Sikdar, AD (LSD) from ANACS.
