MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI S. GANDHISELVAN)
(a): National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) has developed a communication strategy to create awareness about HIV/AIDS
and promote safe behaviors. Campaigns are conducted regularly on mass media supported by outdoor media such as hoardings,
bus panels, information kiosks, folk theatre, and exhibition vans. At the inter-personal level, training and sensitization programmes for Self-Help Groups, Anganwadi Workers, ASHA, members of Panchayati Raj Institutions and other key stakeholders are carried out. Vulnerabilities of High Risk Groups including commercial sex workers (CSW), men having sex with men (MSM), injecting drug users (IDU) and also truck drivers and migrants are specifically addressed through behavior change communication programmes implemented as part of Targeted Intervention (TI) projects. In addition, Integrated Counselling
& Testing Centres (ICTC), STI clinics and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centres have provision of counseling and provide necessary information to clients approaching them.
The amount spent at NACO level during the last three years and the current year so far is Rs. 117.48 Crores.
(b): The programme succeeded in reducing the number of annual new HIV infections by 56% during the last decade through scaled up prevention activities.
The estimated adult HIV prevalence also has come down from 0.41% in 2000 through 0.36% in 2006 and 0.31% in 2009.
(c) to (e) Yes. NACO had launched two phases of Red Ribbon Express project, in 2007-08 and 2009-2010 to generate awareness about HIV/AIDS. The third phase of RRE has been launched from Jan, 2012. During the third phase, the special exhibition train with messages on HIV/ AIDS and other health issues and a training coach for providing Counseling, testing and other health services will traverse through 23 states halting at 162 stations. In addition, there are outreach activities as well.
The details indicating the names of the States and Railway Stations covered so far by the Red Ribbon Express and the number of people is at Annexure I & II.
No separate record of testing of pregnant women is maintained.
