At least 14 truckers turned up for free HIV screening camp at FCI godown, Sangaiprou, Imphal West, Monday. Many truckers were reluctant to avail the free HIV screening service, perhaps, due to lack of awareness, fear of stigma and discrimination.
The HIV screening camp was organised by the GFATM Project-YRG CARE-Plan India in collaboration with Manipur State AIDS Control Society and Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers’ Union.
Speaking to the media, centre manager-OSC Imphal West of YRG CARE-GFATM Ningthoujam Somorendro said that the main objective of conducting the camp is to enhance HIV prevention and intervention of proper treatment at the right time.
The targeted population of the camp is truckers’ community as they are considered among the vulnerable population to HIV and AIDS, he said.
The camp offers a voluntary screening service where any trucker can come and test without any hesitation, he said. Perhaps, due to lack of awareness, fear of stigma and discrimination, many truckers are reluctant to avail the free screening service, he mentioned.
YRG CARE would continue to work for prevention of HIV and AIDS in the state, he added.
