To provide better facilities to high risk groups, the state AIDS control society launched the 21st Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre in the Transport Area, Sector 26. Here, free confidential testing for HIV and syphilis will be provided. The HIV prevalence in Chandigarh has been brought down to 0.11%, far below the national figure of 0.27%. “The testing centre is strategically located in an area where the ‘bridge’ population comprising of truckers and migrants can easily access the testing services. Project director, Chandigarh SACS, Dr Vanita Gupta informed that in Chandigarh, easy access to testing services and extensive awareness generation activities have resulted in larger number of voluntary testing.

Source: Hindustan Times May 03, 2017 04:30 UTC