State records testing of 5,92,902 individuals for HIV: CM
Punjab Newsline, Shimla, December 1-
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over the 37th World AIDS Day programme organized in Shimla today, observed under the theme “Take the Right Path.” During the event, the Chief Minister launched the ‘Car Bin’ initiative to promote HIV awareness and cleanliness. In the first phase, 4,000 taxis would be equipped with these bins free of charge, with plans to cover all 30,000 taxis in the state in a phased manner.
The Chief Minister said that the state has taken significant steps in the past two years to address HIV and improve overall healthcare. He said that targeted individuals were being provided with equal access to awareness, testing and medication. In 2024 alone, 8 lakh people were made aware of HIV and from January 2023 to October 2024, 234 testing camps were organized, with a record 5,92,902 individuals tested for HIV. He said that the state currently has 55 testing and counselling centers along with two mobile testing vehicles offering free HIV testing services.