Trichy: DAPCU stresses on need for safe sex with casual partners

TRICHY: Aimed at filling the gaps in prevention of HIV-AIDS, District AIDS prevention and control unit (DAPCU), Trichy has embarked on a campaign to drive home the need for having protected sex with casual partners.
"Over the years, people have become aware of safety measures, mainly use of condoms in sexual relationship with sex workers. However, many are under the impression that they don't need to use condoms with casual partners," district programme officer (DPO) Dr S M Manivannan told TOI.He was speaking on the sidelines of the flag-off of a 10-day folk media campaign for sensitisation of HIV-AIDS by district collector M Pradeepkumar at Trichy collector office.
Stating that incidences of new cases have come down over the years because of awareness, Dr Manivanan said that cases being reported nowadays were mostly the result of sex with casual partners without condoms. "Either male or female can be infected. You cannot have a trust in anyone in this matter to safeguard your life," he said, adding that the source of infection due to sex workers has come down to below 10%.
In Trichy district, 6,952 HIV-AIDS cases are being treated at two anti-retroviral therapy (ART) centres at MGMGH and government headquarters hospital a Manapparai besides link ART centres. DAPCU also runs 35 integrated counselling and testing centres (ICTC) in the district. The two teams of folk artistes have been tasked with covering two places a day in 14 blocks in 10 days. They will stage Karakattam, Oyilattam and street plays to send the message in an interesting way.
DAPCU has listed out areas of high prevalence and provided a map to the artistes to conduct the programme. Manapparai, Thuraiyur, Lalgudi, Musiri blocks in rural parts and densely populated areas like Palakkarai, Edamalaipattipudhur where labourer stay will be given importance.