People living with HIV should never be isolated: Minister

Revenue Minister K. Rajan addressing the State-level inauguration of World AIDS Day at the Thrissur Town Hall on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: K.K. NAJEEB

Revenue Minister K. Rajan emphasised that individuals living with HIV should never be isolated and must be integrated into the mainstream of society.

While addressing the State-level inauguration of World AIDS Day at Thrissur Town Hall, the Minister highlighted that by 2025, Kerala should be free from HIV. He called on society to unite and actively participate in the campaign “Onnayi Poojyathilakku” to achieve this goal. Mr. Rajan reiterated that those living with HIV must not be excluded, stressing the importance of their inclusion in the broader societal fabric.

“This year’s World AIDS Day is being observed at a time when global efforts are under way to eradicate HIV infections by 2030. All countries, as part of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, are progressing in their fight against AIDS. Kerala is in an intensive phase to meet this goal by 2025. The “Onnayi Poojyathilekku” campaign is the State’s initiative to address this,” the Minister said.

He also highlighted the Triple 95 concept introduced by the Kerala AIDS Control Society. The first 95 refers to ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV are aware of their HIV status. This goal has been set because many people remain unaware of their HIV-positive status. The second 95 means that 95% of those diagnosed with HIV should receive ART (Antiretroviral Therapy). The third 95 aims for 95% of those on ART to have their viral load suppressed.

Kerala fares better

Kerala has a relatively low HIV prevalence rate compared to other States. While the national prevalence rate is 0.22%, Kerala’s rate is just 0.06%. In both diagnosis and treatment, Kerala is far ahead. The State has 793 Jyothis centers offering free testing and counselling. If treatment is required, all medical colleges and Ushas centers provide follow-up services. Additionally, there are care support centers and centers for sexually transmitted infections and other related health issues operating in the State, the Minister added.

Ahead of the public meeting, an awareness drama was performed by the Kozhikode Manoranjan Arts group. A flash mob performance was staged by students from various colleges. The awareness rally, which began at 8 a.m. from the Thekkinkadu Maidan with students and NSS volunteers, was flagged off by D.I.G. Thomson Jose. Students from various colleges and schools, along with NSS volunteers, participated in the rally. The event conveyed the message “Choose the path of rights.” Institutions and hospitals that demonstrated exemplary efforts last year were recognised with awards during the World AIDS Day celebration.

The meeting was chaired by Thrissur district panchayat president V.S. Prince, with Thrissur Deputy Mayor M.L. Rosy as the chief guest. R. Sreelatha, Project Director of Kerala State AIDS Control Society, presented the topic.