Without health, even the greatest wealth is meaningless – Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha

Telangana Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha participated in a human chain program organized on the Cable Bridge by the Telangana AIDS Control Society to spread awareness about HIV and AIDS. Addressing the gathering, the minister said that rallies, human chains, and medical camps are being conducted across the state to educate people about HIV/AIDS. He explained that HIV weakens the immune system and, if untreated, can progress to AIDS. The virus spreads through unprotected sexual contact and infected blood transfusions, but not through casual contact like handshakes, hugs, or sharing food. He emphasized that fear, stigma, and discrimination arise due to lack of awareness and urged society to treat HIV patients with dignity and equality.

The minister highlighted that under the HIV & AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, discrimination against patients is a punishable offense. He noted that HIV is no longer a fatal disease if detected early and treated properly, allowing individuals to live long and normal lives. The government is providing free testing, treatment, and medicines through 127 testing centers and 33 ART centers, serving over 1.14 lakh patients. He also advised youth to avoid drugs, especially injectable substances, which increase the risk of HIV and other diseases. “Without health, even great wealth is meaningless,” he said, adding that a healthy individual leads to a healthy family, society, and a strong state.