AIDS victims deserve compassion, not condemnation: Sakeena Itoo

SRINAGAR : Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, flagged off Mobile Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) Vans of Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society (JKACS) here on Tuesday.
The initiative was aimed to strengthen the healthcare outreach and awareness among the people of underserved areas and vulnerable communities.
Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Director SKIMS; Project Director, JKACS; Director Family Welfare and Immunization; Director AYUSH; Principal GMC Srinagar; Chief Medical Officers; senior officers of JKACS; health department and other concerned officers were present on the occasion.
Addressing a gathering of health professionals, the Minister emphasized on the urgent need of de-stigmatizing HIV/AIDS persons and ensure support-oriented approach for the affected individuals. “People living with HIV/AIDS need to be handheld with compassion and dignity. It’s not just about medical intervention, it’s about restoring hope and trust through proper counselling, awareness and community support”, she stated.
She remarked that people affected by this virus need to be counselled, sensitised and looked after properly, so that those hiding this due to stigma associated with it, can also come forward and seek proper medical treatment.
The Minister further said that these ICTC Vans are high end vehicles which will contribute effectively in fighting this virus. She added that these mobile ICTC Vans are aimed at expanding the reach of HIV/AIDS testing and counselling services to remote and underserved areas of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly targeting the high-risk groups and marginalized populations.
“The launch of these mobile vans is a testament to Government’s resolve to bring best healthcare services to the doorsteps of the most vulnerable. No one should be denied access due to geography or stigma,” said the Minister.
Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed called upon all to redouble their efforts for completely wiping out this virus from the region as J&K has minimal cases of this virus. He also spoke in length about the role of every individual in eradicating this virus from the society.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Deputy Director, JKACS, Dr. Monika Vali, spoke about the broader aspects of mobile ICTC Vans.
She further said that this initiative will also help in early detection of this virus among affected individuals aa well as strengthen prevention measures due to awareness.
On the occasion, the Minister was also briefed about the specialities of these mobile ICTC Vans. He was informed that these Vans are equipped with facilities for confidential counselling, blood sample collection, rapid testing and IEC (Information, Education and Communication) awareness campaigns.
It was also given out that these vans will be manned by trained healthcare professionals, ensuring both sensitivity and professionalism in every interaction.