Goa: “Intensive Voluntary Testing” campaign launched

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AIDS fortnight gets underway

THE NAVHIND TIMES

[ MONDAY, DECEMBER 02, 2002 09:48:42 PM ]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/xml/comp/articleshow?artid=300910

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PANAJI: The Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Parrikar today formally launched the

AIDS fortnight by giving his blood sample voluntarily under the “Intensive

Voluntary Testing” campaign for the test.

The Health Minister, Dr Suresh Amonkar and health secretary, Ms Rina Ray

followed the chief minister at a function held at Goa medical college and

hospital (GMC), Bambolim. Mr Parrikar launched the AIDS Helpline phone

number 1097. This helpline would provide information on any aspect of AIDS.

The Health Minister launched the mobile awareness unit.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Parrikar said launching of AIDS Helpline,

Voluntary Testing Campaign for HIV and Mobile Awareness Unit will go a long

way for AIDS prevention. The Chief Minister further said that awareness

campaign on AIDS will also very much help to control the spread of the

disease. He said that Goa is a tourist spot and many domestic and foreign

tourists visit the state. Therefore, awareness camps should be organised in

all parts of the state for prevention of HIV, he added.

Dr Suresh Amonkar said that Goa is vulnerable to HIV/ AIDS as it is

surrounded by states having a high prevalence of HIV positive cases. Dr

Amonkar said results of voluntary testing campaign would be provided within

two weeks and added that secrecy would be maintained in those cases detected

positive for HIV/AIDS. The health secretary and project director of Goa

State AIDS Control Society (GSACS), Ms Rina Ray said that panchayat and

localised governing bodies would be included in the programme for creating

awareness and educating children.