By IANS
Ranchi : The Jharkhand government is going to start AIDS education in colleges to create awareness about the disease.
"We are preparing a syllabus to launch AIDS education in the colleges. In one college, the programme will begin from this year on an experimental basis," said Jharkhand Health Minister Bhanu Pratap Shahi.
"Time has come not only to take measures to prevent AIDS but also to cure the disease," he said.
The minister also announced the setting up of a rehabilitation centre for AIDS patients.
It will be known as the Jharkhand Positive Network where patients will be extended all possible help besides treatment, Shahi said, launching the third phase of the National AIDS Control Programme here Friday.
In this phase of the programme, the Jharkhand AIDS Control Society (JACA) will work with sex workers, truck drivers and migrant labourers. Some 25 migrant labourers have been found HIV positive in the state.
The government is also planning to install 800 condom vending machines at places like national highways and petrol pumps. Condoms will be distributed free of cost among truck drivers, sex workers and other people.