AnyTime News 
18,000 Patients on Treatment in UP, Yet Risks Persist
Anytime News Network (Pooja Srivastava)
In Lucknow, a state-level media sensitization workshop on HIV/AIDS highlighted a critical reality: while treatment access is expanding, awareness and stigma remain major hurdles. Organized by the Uttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, the event focused on strengthening the role of media in shaping public perception and promoting accurate information.
Officials revealed that around 138,000 people living with HIV in Uttar Pradesh are currently receiving free counseling, treatment, and medication at ART centers. While this reflects improved healthcare outreach, it also underscores the persistent scale of the epidemic.
Speakers emphasized that media coverage can either bridge or widen the gap between awareness and fear. Sensational or inaccurate reporting often fuels discrimination, whereas responsible journalism can encourage people to seek testing and treatment without hesitation.
Dr. Sanjay Solanki highlighted the importance of early screening among pregnant women, noting that timely intervention can prevent mother-to-child transmission. Out of a target of 7.2 million screenings in the state, approximately 6.2 million have been completed—indicating progress, but also revealing a gap that needs urgent attention.
Experts also discussed the broader goals of the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), which aims to reduce HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths by 80% by 2030. A wide network of testing centers, ART facilities, STI clinics, and helplines is already in place to support this mission.
However, the biggest obstacle remains social stigma. Many individuals still avoid testing or treatment due to fear of discrimination, making awareness campaigns crucial.
The workshop concluded with a strong message: defeating HIV requires not just medical intervention, but a shift in mindset—and the media holds the power to lead that change.
