1,500 Join Massive Hyderabad Rally to Raise HIV and AIDS Awareness

Hyderabad turned into a platform for a major HIV and AIDS awareness campaign as nearly 1,500 people took part in a rally aimed at promoting prevention, dispelling misconceptions and encouraging greater public participation in the fight against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis.

Hyderabad district in-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar flagged off the rally at the HMDA Grounds. The participants marched towards the Necklace Road Railway Station, carrying the message that preventing new infections requires sustained awareness and responsible health practices.

Addressing the gathering, Prabhakar said removing myths and misconceptions about HIV was as important as providing medical treatment. He stressed that preventing new infections and ensuring proper healthcare for people living with HIV should be viewed as a collective social responsibility.

The Minister also pointed to advances in medical care that can help prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Timely testing and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce the risk of an HIV-positive mother passing the virus to her child, making early detection and access to care crucial.

Prabhakar said Telangana would conduct extensive awareness programmes for two months from August 12, urging people to actively participate in the campaign and help spread accurate information about HIV prevention and treatment.

The campaign is being conducted under the slogan “Be Positive – Stop HIV Positive”, with the state government, Health and Medical Department and Telangana State AIDS Control Society working together towards the goal of an HIV-free Telangana.

The scale of the challenge remains significant. According to National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) estimates cited in recent government updates, Telangana has around 1.56 lakh people living with HIV, with an estimated adult HIV prevalence of 0.41%. The state has also been identified as a priority state under the Centre’s intensified HIV response, with 19 districts receiving focused attention.

Telangana’s HIV response extends beyond awareness campaigns. The Telangana State AIDS Control Society (TGSACS) provides free HIV counselling and testing, along with access to antiretroviral therapy and prevention services. Its programmes also focus on sexually transmitted infections, targeted interventions and community outreach.

Another important part of the campaign is addressing stigma and discrimination. HIV cannot be tackled effectively if fear and misinformation prevent people from getting tested or seeking treatment. The HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 provides legal protection against discrimination in areas such as employment, education, healthcare and housing.

The rally brought together AIDS Control Society Project Director Vidyasagar, Health Department Principal Secretary Christina Z Chongthu, GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan, government officials, medical personnel, students, volunteers and representatives of voluntary organisations.