HIV care centres to be established soon in Karnataka

Bengaluru: Seven community care centres in the state will be established soon by the department of health and family welfare for the benefit of patients with Human Immuno Virus (HIV).

It is gathered that based on the mapping of patients, a proposal was submitted to the health department to start these centres in Balaglkot, Raichur, Vijayapura, Tumakuru, Kolar, Bengaluru and Mysuru districts.

The Society had sought Rs 12,68,000 for starting each of these centres. The Health Department has now sanctioned the same.

According to the National Aids Control Organisation, the community care centres are planned to be set up in high prevalence and moderate prevalence districts. These centres will be established based on the epidemiological profile and people living with HIV load of the districts and will be linked to the nearest ART (anti-retroviral test) centre.

The centres will also be providing counselling for drug adherence, nutritional needs, treatment support, referral and outreach for follow-up, social support and legal services. State AIDS Prevention and Control Societies will ensure access to high-risk groups to community care centres.