Rohit Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 06 November 2024
The Director of Health Services (DHS), Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Dr. Suja Antony, officially flagged off two vans aimed at combating HIV and STI in the region. The Mobile Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Van and the Mobile Integrated Counselling and Testing Center (ICTC) Van were launched in a ceremony held in front of the National Memorial Cellular Jail at Sri Vijaya Puram.
The event was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Subrata Saha, Project Director of the Andaman and Nicobar AIDS Control Society (ANACS), and marks a significant step towards enhancing outreach services for HIV awareness and testing in the islands.
Raising Awareness and Encouraging Testing:
Speaking at the event, Dr. Suja Antony emphasized the importance of the IEC Van in spreading awareness about HIV, STI, and AIDS through audio messages that promote positive behaviour and offer information on prevention, control, and treatment services available across the islands. She added that the mobile unit will travel to different regions, providing vital information and helping individuals make informed decisions regarding their health.
“The Mobile ICTC Van will provide HIV counselling and testing services to those who may be hesitant to visit hospitals. This service will bring testing and counselling directly to people’s doorsteps, making it more accessible for residents in remote areas,” Dr. Antony explained.
A Call for Early Detection:
Dr. Subrata Saha, Project Director of ANACS, highlighted that while there is no cure or vaccine for HIV, early intervention through Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) can delay the progression of the disease to AIDS. He urged the public to take advantage of the mobile ICTC van to know their HIV status, underscoring that early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
Extensive Coverage Across the Islands:
The IEC Van will operate in North and Middle Andaman for 13 days, and in South Andaman for 27 days, covering key locations such as Shaheed Dweep, Swaraj Dweep, and Hut Bay. Additionally, awareness campaigns will also be conducted in Nicobar District.
The program is complemented by folk performances aimed at reaching rural populations. Troupes such as Dance Nritya Academy (DNA), Balkrishna Nritya Academy, Raag, and Kasheesh will perform traditional dances, songs, and dramas that convey messages about HIV, STI, and AIDS prevention.
Continued Outreach Services:
The Mobile ICTC Van will provide outreach services in South Andaman for 9 days and North and Middle Andaman for 12 days, with the possibility of repeating the program every month. Both vans are equipped with display messages and carry informational materials that will be distributed during the awareness campaign.
Through these initiatives, the A&N Administration is making a concerted effort to combat HIV and STI, bringing essential services and education to the communities most in need.