AIDS can be controlled only when discrimination ends. This was the key message at the AIDS Awareness Walk organised by Kamineni Hospitals in Hyderabad on World AIDS Day.
The walk was inaugurated by Dr. Anuradha, Joint Director, Telangana SARC, who served as the chief guest. More than 300 people took part, including doctors, medical students, nursing staff, and citizens. They held placards to promote awareness on HIV and the importance of ending stigma.
Dr. Srikrishna Raghavendra, Consultant Physician, shared important updates on HIV in India.
He said, “India has 24 lakh HIV-positive people, and Telangana has 1.4 lakh. Men and women are equally affected. Due to better testing, cases are now seen in children too.”
He added that symptoms like frequent fever, constant tiredness, or weakness must not be ignored. Early evaluation helps prevent complications.
He stressed that testing positive for HIV is not a reason to panic. The first step is to register at an ICTC centre. For people in the LB Nagar region, the ICTC centre in Vanasthalipuram is available.
The ART Centre at Kamineni Hospitals, set up under a PPP model in 2022, gives free antiretroviral medicines as per government guidelines. Gandhi Hospital, Osmania Hospital, and Chest Hospital also offer ART services.
The Kamineni F-ICTC Centre has 1,200 registered patients, and 35–40 people visit it daily to collect free medicines. The centre also conducts awareness programmes for women, transgender persons, and other at-risk groups.
Senior Consultant Physician Dr. M. Swami highlighted that discrimination against HIV-positive individuals still exists. He said that awareness and equal care for all patients are essential. He also noted that some healthcare workers still hesitate to treat HIV patients, and this must change.
Medical Superintendent Dr. Anjaiah Kanusali explained how HIV spreads. It transmits through unprotected sexual contact, unsafe blood transfusions, and certain exposures. However, with proper precautions, the infection can be prevented. He said, “Even if someone tests positive, treatment is available. Free ART medicines help people live healthy lives. Registration at the ART Centre is the only requirement.”
The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Shyam Sundar, Dr. Sudhir Babu Padugul, Dr. J. Harikrishna, Dr. Pradeep Kumar Patel, Dr. Peddi Ramakrishna, Prof. Dr. P. Ratnachari, Dr. I. Suresh, Dr. Dakshayani, and others.
