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Telangana Health Minister Leads Human Chain For AIDS Awareness On Hyderabad Bridge

Telangana Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha led a human chain on Hyderabad's Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and combat social stigma. The event was part of the state's 'Praja Palana' Health Week, which also included a Food Safety Awareness Walkathon. The minister emphasized the importance of testing, prevention, and the availability of free treatment at 33 ART centres across Telangana. He stressed that protecting AIDS patients is a shared societal and governmental responsibility.

Key Points: Telangana Health Minister Leads AIDS Awareness Human Chain

  • Human chain on cable bridge for awareness
  • Fight against HIV/AIDS social stigma
  • State has 33 ART & 127 testing centres
  • Part of broader 'Praja Palana' Health Week
  • Emphasis on testing and safe food
2 min read

Telangana Health Minister leads human chain on Durgam Cheruvu Bridge for AIDS awareness

Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha leads a human chain on Durgam Cheruvu Bridge to fight HIV/AIDS stigma and promote testing.

"AIDS should not be a social stigma and every citizen should be aware of what it is - Damodar Raja Narasimha"

Hyderabad, April 9

Telangana Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha on Thursday led a human chain on the Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge in Hyderabad as part of the 'Praja Palana - Pragati Pranalika' initiative to promote awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Speaking to ANI, the minister said the government organised an AIDS awareness "Red Run" programme to educate citizens and remove social stigma associated with the disease.

"We have organised AIDS awareness red run program. AIDS should not be a social stigma and every citizen should be aware of what it is, how we can get infected, the prevention... It is generally a sexually transmitted disease and we must take all the precautions. Testing is important, particularly for pregnant women... It is not a social stigma anymore," the health minister told ANI.

"We are running an awareness programme, so that every citizen should know what they are consuming, and avoid adulterated food. The government is with you, but you must start taking care of your health, and we start this walk with this message," he added.

He further said Telangana has strengthened treatment and testing infrastructure across the state, as it has 33 Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centres and 127 testing centres.

"Government of India brought an act in 2017, clearly stating that protecting an AIDS patient is the responsibility of society and the government. Telangana has 33 Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centres, 127 testing centres and we are providing free medicines to the patients. We are taking all the measures but the most important measure is the awareness among the citizens," he said.

Earlier on Monday, the Telangana government also organised a large-scale Food Safety Awareness Walkathon at Necklace Road in Hyderabad as part of its flagship programme 'Praja Palana - Pragati Pranalika', under which Health Week is being observed from April 6 to April 11 across the state.

The initiative aims to raise awareness among citizens about safe food consumption and the risks associated with adulterated food, with officials emphasising the need for individual responsibility alongside government efforts.

Flagging off the walkathon, Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha highlighted the importance of public awareness in ensuring better health outcomes.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good to see awareness being raised. But I hope this isn't just a one-day photo-op. The real work is in ensuring those 127 testing centres are functional, well-staffed, and accessible to everyone, especially in rural areas. The government must follow through.
S
Sarah B
Combining AIDS awareness with food safety in a "Health Week" is smart. Public health is interconnected. The message that citizens also have a responsibility is key. We can't just blame the system. Need more such campaigns in schools and colleges.
A
Arun Y
Free medicines at ART centres is a big relief for patients. The 2017 Act was a good step. However, societal stigma is still very real in small towns. Awareness programs need to be continuous and in local languages to truly change mindsets.
K
Kavya N
As a Hyderabadi, proud to see our city's bridge being used for such a cause! The 'Red Run' is a catchy idea. Hope it encourages more people to get tested without fear. Health should always be a priority, baaki sab baad mein.
M
Michael C
A respectful criticism: While the human chain is symbolic, the article mentions testing for pregnant women. I hope the awareness drive strongly emphasizes prevention and safe practices for *everyone*, not just targeting specific groups. The messaging must be inclusive.

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