Stress on curbing mother-to-child HIV transmission

In a major initiative aimed at combating HIV/AIDS, the Telangana State AIDS Control Society, in collaboration with the District Medical and Health Department and District Women and Child Welfare Department, has launched a comprehensive training programme for Anganwadi teachers in Rangareddy District.
The programme, which is part of the district’s integrated strategy for HIV/AIDS prevention, focuses on educating Anganwadi teachers on the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission, human trafficking, and women’s empowerment.
Dr Venkateshwarlu, the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) of Rangareddy District, participated as chief guest for the programme’s inaugural session. He emphasised the critical role that Anganwadi teachers play in preventing HIV transmission from pregnant women to their children. He urged the teachers to ensure that all pregnant women under their care are informed about the necessary precautions to prevent the transmission of HIV to their unborn children.
Additional DMHO Dr Paparao highlighted the importance of routine HIV testing for pregnant women, stressing that it should be conducted alongside other standard prenatal tests. He also encouraged the Anganwadi teachers to guide pregnant women to HIV testing centres throughout the district and to educate those infected with HIV about the regular use of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) drugs.
District Welfare Officer Padmaja also addressed the gathering, underscoring the importance of providing comprehensive services to pregnant women and children. She encouraged the Anganwadi teachers to actively participate in programs related to drug awareness, human trafficking, and STI prevention, in addition to their HIV/AIDS-related duties.
The training session, which was attended by 300 Anganwadi teachers as part of the first batch, also featured contributions from Disha Cluster Manager Ch Narender, Disha Clinical Services Officer G. Ramesh, Divisional Assistant Nageswara Rao, and Councilor Ashok Reddy.