kerala sacs starts tele counseling on hiv/aids

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

Kerala SACS has started tele counseling on HIV/AIDS. I m forwarding a write up

published by the new indian express regarding the initiative.

_________________

KSACS begins 24-hour tele-counselling

The New Indian Express, Thursday October 19 2006

Thiruvananthapuram: Do you think you know everything about AIDS and HIV? If so,

will you advise the Medical Termination of Pregnancy if a woman is HIV positive?

Whatever may be your answer, here is some good news.

The Kerala State AIDS Control Society (KSACS) has begun a 24-hour

tele-counselling. Simply dial 0484-4099899. You will get cleared whatever doubts

you have about AIDS, HIV, sexuality, and all sex-related diseases.

As experts say that 80 percent of the public, even highly educated, has doubts

on the basic facts about AIDS and HIV, this tele-counselling will help not just

the downtrodden but also the educated to clear the doubts.

Besides, there are many unrevealed facts about AIDS. That Human Immuno Viruses

are mainly of two types - HIV1 and HIV2 - is a new information for many.

There is 30 percent chances of HIV being transmitted to the baby from

mother, but if treated, an HIV positive pregnant woman can deliver a healthy

baby.

" Chronic Manageable Disease, that is the new definition of AIDS, " said Dr

Velayudhan, Deputy Director, KSACS. Still many consider being HIV positive is

something horrible, he says.

HIV-infected people take years to reach the state called AIDS. Free

Anti-Retroviral Therapy is being provided to help the people live a long life.

People are usually unaware of these matters.

" Intense training was given to the counsellors and they will clear the doubts

about almost all areas of AIDS, sexuality and other related matters, " he said.

" It is a scientific information provider. With the Kerala Piravi programmes, the

campaigns to publicise this new facility will begin. Within two months public

will become very familiar with our telephone number and we will have a good

response, " said Rajan Khobragade, Project Director, KSACS.

As Keralites are reluctant to disclose sexuality-related issues even to doctors

and counsellors, this venture is expected to attract good response.

The social stigma and discrimination against HIV positive people are intense in

Kerala and this prevents people from even clearing their doubts.

With unlimited doubts, students and teenagers depend on unreliable sources and

accumulate misinformation on sexuality and related subjects. " Such people can

get right information and apt advice through the tele-counselling, " said a KSACS

official.

Nine counsellors have been appointed and there are plans to appoint more if the

demand increases, Khobragade said. If women insist on women counsellors, there

are two women counsellors to help them, he said.

Three people can get information simultaneously. So, get information from the

right source only.

____________

S.Ajai Kumar

Programme Officer IEC

Kerala SACS, Red Cross Road

Thiruvananthapuram - 35

Kerala.

e-mail: <ajai.ksacs@...>