HIV/AIDS? is a complex and multifaceted problem encompassing all aspects of the Society, which requires a multisectoral and interdisciplinary response.? The Tamilnadu State AIDS Control Society was established in 1994 with the objective of effectively responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.? The Society has been a role model in implementing a number of initiatives in the area of preventive and targetted interventions.?? While primary prevention continues to be the major objective of the programmes implemented by the Society, adequate attention is also paid to ensure that the People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) get due medical care and treatment and their human rights are protected.

Epidemiology

The surveillance network was increased from 17 centres during 2001 to 24 centres during 2002. The Sentinel Surveillance Survey undertaken in 2002 as a part of the national effort in these 24 centres in Tamilnadu indicated that the general rate of prevalence of HIV, as reflected in ante natal clinics in Tamilnadu, has come down from 1.1%? during 2001 to 0.87% during 2002. It, however, revealed that the rate of prevalence among certain high risk groups continues to be high.?

Information, Education and Communication (IEC)

Information, Education and Communication (IEC) is a key element in the strategy of primary prevention.? The communication needs assessment carried out by the Society indicated high awareness levels among all sections of the society in the State.? But mere awareness alone will not bring about the desired results.? The awareness will have to be converted into appropriate changes in behaviour, which requires that the messages should be reinforced continuously.? Apart from the general information campaigns, the Society is increasingly laying stress on Interpersonal Communication (IPC) to reach and effect necessary behavioural changes among the high risk groups. The issues relating to stigma and discrimination and human rights of PLWHA are also given equal importance in the IEC campaigns.

Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO)

Non-Governmental Organisations have played a critical role in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic.? Currently, Tamilnadu State AIDS Control Society is implementing 112 ongoing intervention projects through NGOs.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Reproductive Track Infection Clinics (STD/RTI)

The risk of transmission and spread of HIV/AIDS among the persons suffering from STD is very high.? Control of STD among the general population is, therefore, essential to contain the spread of HIV/AIDS.? There are 57 STD clinics in Tamilnadu covering the entire State.? The Society provides drugs and other infrastructural facilities to these 57 STD clinics.

Condom Promotion

Condoms are being distributed to commercial sex workers, truck drivers and others to control the transmission of both Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV/AIDS through unprotected sex.? A decision has been taken to make condoms available in all the fair price shops in the State.

Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centres (VCTCs)

Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centres (VCTCs) can play a pivotal role in HIV prevention and in providing? care continuously to the people living with HIV.? At present 42 VCTCs are functioning in the State, covering all the Government Medical College Hospitals and District Headquarters Hospitals.? These Centers give people an opportunity to know and accept their HIV status in a confidential environment, and provide counselling and referral services for ongoing emotional support and medical care.

Blood Safety

HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through infected blood and blood products.? Hence adequate measures have been taken to ensure the supply of safe and tested blood.? The Tamilnadu State Blood Transfusion Council closely monitors the functioning of blood banks with the association of the drug control authorities.? As a result of the sustained efforts made, the percentage share of voluntary blood donation in total blood collection has increased from 50.40% in 2001 to 59.4% in 2002.

Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT)

Mother to Child Transmission of HIV is by far the most significant route of transmission of HIV infection to children below the age of 15 years.? Through administration of anti retro viral drugs to the mother and the child, the risk of transfer of HIV to the child from the positive mother is considerably reduced.? The programme is currently under implementation in 47 Hospitals in Tamilnadu.

MoU with Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),? Atlanta

The Government Hospital for Thoracic Medicine, is catering to a large number of patients suffering from HIV/AIDS.? The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA has come forward to upgrade this Instituion as a Regional Institute for Treatment and Research for HIV/AIDS Related Diseases.? The Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CDC, Atlanta for improving laboratories, upgrading the information systems and providing additional training facilities at the Hospital at a cost of Rs.4.7 crores.

Care and Support

??????????? The Government accords high priority for making quality medical care and treatment accessible for opportunistic infections to the People Living with HIV/AIDS in the State.? The Society is conducting training programmes for the medical and para-medical staff to sensitise them to the needs of PLWHAs and also on the need to adopt universal precautions.? The Society extends financial support for the purchase of drugs for opportunistic infections and for Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) drugs.? Apart from this, Private Sector has also been involved in providing care and support to PLWHAs.?? At present, these Private Hospitals have been extended support from the Society.? The Society also assists? the associations of People Living with HIV/AIDS with a view to provide them access to care and psycho-social support.

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Community Care Centres

Tamilnadu State AIDS Control Society has established two Community Care Centres one at Vellore and another at Coimbatore for providing care and support to HIV/AIDS patients and their families.? It is proposed to establish three more Community Care Centres through the Non-Governmental Organisations / Community Based Organisations (CBO) at Tirunelveli, Thiruchirapalli and Namakkal districts soon.

UNDP assisted Project

The UNDP is supporting the project "Creating an Enabling and Empowering Environment for Positive People" through National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) at a cost of Rs.80.77 lakhs.??

Funding for 2003-2004

Tamilnadu State AIDS Control Society has proposed to implement its schemes during the year 2003-04 at a total cost of Rs.15 crores approved by NACO, Government of India.