Efforts of AIDS Control Society are laudable

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The Mumbai AIDS Control Society (MDACS) is working to extend its prevention and treatment efforts to include massage parlour workers and users of dating apps, focusing on reaching a previously underserved population. Massage parlour workers are part of the high-risk population identified by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO).

They have recently started this initiative in Mumbai, considering emerging trends, but it is still nascent. For about a year, MDACS has been using dating apps to connect with the younger population. They are encouraged to meet trained officers in person, and they are counselled about safe sex. Then they are informed about HIV and asked if they wish to be diagnosed.

This is a step in the right direction as it identifies certain groups and then works towards prevention and treatment. The entire plan seems to get more persons under this umbrella. It is visionary as it entails training persons within these identified groups, so they can work towards awareness and identification themselves.

Even the first step, looking at high-risk groups, recognising that such and such persons or groups are high risk through trends is extremely worthy. Then, it is a question of awareness and convincing them to get tested so that treatment can be started at the earliest. Even if treatment is not needed, there is a focus on prevention and we all know the wisdom of that adage - prevention is better than cure.

We are sure that these programmes involve other facets too, like smashing shame, stigma and stereotypes and putting huge stress on responsible, safe sex practices. Looking at dating apps also means keeping in tune with the times, as technology and the internet will be a pointer for more high-risk groups in the future, too.