Telangana’s Health Week initiative takes center stage at the Cable Bridge to combat stigma and promote ART treatment.
The iconic Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge witnessed a powerful display of solidarity this Thursday, April 9, as hundreds gathered to form a massive human chain. Organized by the Telangana AIDS Control Society, the event served as a focal point for the state’s ongoing “Health Week,” aimed at dismantling the long-standing misconceptions surrounding HIV/AIDS.
Breaking the Silence: Awareness Over Fear
Addressing the crowd against the backdrop of the city’s landmark bridge, State Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha emphasized that the biggest hurdle in modern healthcare isn’t just the virus, but the lack of awareness.
“Fear and discrimination are born from a lack of knowledge,” the Minister noted. “HIV is a manageable condition, but the stigma remains a barrier we must break together.”
The Minister provided vital clarifications to debunk common myths, reminding citizens that HIV cannot be spread through:
- Handshakes or hugging
- Sharing food or water
- Casual social contact
The Path to a Normal Life
In a move to offer hope to those affected, the Minister highlighted the evolution of medical science. While HIV was once viewed as a terminal diagnosis, modern Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) now allows individuals to lead healthy, productive lives for decades.
Telangana’s Healthcare Infrastructure at a Glance: | Facility Type | Count | | :— | :— | | HIV Testing Centres | 127 | | ART Centres | 33 | | Patients Currently Under Care | 1.14 Lakh |
Beyond the city limits, the government is extending its reach through special screening camps for HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) within government hospitals and correctional facilities.
A Legal and Social Responsibility
The event also served as a stern reminder of the HIV & AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017. Under this law, discrimination against HIV-positive individuals is a punishable offense. The Minister urged the public to treat those affected with the dignity and support they deserve as equal members of society.
A Call to the Youth
As part of the broader “Health Week” (running from April 6 to 11), the Minister issued a passionate plea to Hyderabad’s younger generation. He linked the fight against HIV to a larger battle against sedentary lifestyles and substance abuse, noting that drug use significantly spikes infection risks.
“Healthy individuals contribute to healthy families, which in turn builds a strong society,” Narasimha concluded. “Without health, wealth has no value.
