Vadodara: Training to sensitise cops on AIDS

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Training to sensitise cops on AIDS

GSACS programme for 40,000 personnel being implemented in all

districts

Vadodara, July 04: IN order to sensitise police officials on HIV/AIDS

awareness, Gujarat State AIDS Control Society (GSACS) has started a

training programme for 40,000 police personnel in the State. Deputy

director of GSACS Dr Rajesh Goyal said that personnel being exposed

to core groups are at a higher risk of HIV/AIDS; also they lack

proper sensitisation and orientation. Focusing on these two points,

anecdotal evidences were gathered where police officials lacked

sensitisation on HIV/AIDS, and a module was created before the

training programme was implemented, added Dr Gopal.

" It is not just police personnel, other defence officials are also

exposed to risk factors round the clock. Although a sample survey was

done in specific areas of the State, but the exact status on

sensitisation and attitude of police personnel towards HIV/AIDS

cannot be stated, " said Dr Gopal. Police officials are exposed more

to core groups like men having sex with men and Female Sex Workers

(FSWs) while on duty. To sensitize them about safety measures, a

training programme is running in all 25 districts, added Dr D M

Saxena, additional deputy director of GSACS. Also, 25 trainers have

been deputed in all the districts of the State for project

implementation, added Dr Saxena.

Sunil Desai, a trainer who is in the city for the programme

said, " Already, 11,000 police officials have been sensitised through

the training in Valsad, Amreli, Bhavnagar and Kutch. The programme is

ongoing in other districts. "

Speaking about his exposure in the training programme, police

constable Mahendra Borse from Sayajigunj Police Station said, " It is

the police officials at the lower grades who are exposed to HIV

positive people. More than sensitisation, the present workshop has

helped us how to treat core group responsible for HIV/AIDS, " he adds.

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