Question : AIDS AWARENESS PROGRAMME

 

(a) whether the National Aids Control Programme (NACO) could not make much impact on the awareness of AIDS prevention in many States including Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry;  

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;  

(c) whether the funds released under NACO have not been utilized by the States satisfactorily;  

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and  

(e) the concrete measures taken by the Union Government for effective implementation of NACO in the country?    

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. ANBUMANI RAMADOSS)  

(a)to(e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

  STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 96 FOR 21ST NOVEMBER, 2007

(a) & (b) As per the national behavioural sentinel surveillance survey, 2006, conducted to know the impact on awareness and behavioural sex practices among general population, it was observed that awareness about sexual mode of transmission of AIDS has increased from 62% in 2001 to 74% in 2006 and awareness of two methods of prevention of HIV transmission (Consistent condom use & having one faithful uninfected sexual partner) has increased from 39% in 2001 to 57% in 2006. The awareness level about two methods of prevention among high risk population i.e. female sex worker has also shown increase from 65.7% to 81.0%. Statewise comparative figures including Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry are given in the enclosed statement-I where an increase in awareness levels were also recorded.

(c) & (d) The utilization of funds by the States were satisfactory in 2006-2007 with an overall utilization rate of 97%. The statewise utilization of funds released under NACO is given in the enclosed statement-II.

(e) Phase III of the National AIDS Control Programme has been formulated to control the spread of HIV by up scaling targeted interventions among the high risk groups, behaviour change communication for improved awareness, expanding, counseling and testing services, blood safety, support and treatment of HIV infected persons including the treatment of opportunistic infections, provision of anti-retroviral drugs and mainstreaming of HIV intervention strategies.