New Delhi: In an effort to enhance the information and treatment of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), National Aids Control Organization (NACO) has launched a mobile app called ‘HELP' for AIDS awareness and prevention.
It's the first app in India that is based on several international models. This app provides all relevant information that one needs to know about AIDS. Information, that's not easily available such as HIV testing centers in the locality, information about the availability of the free testing kits, medicines and so on, will be there.
‘HELP' (HIV Education and Linkage to Prevention) will also let users to access HIV testing from the nearest centre free of cost, without any delay.
To expand the use of the app, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, an international agency which works in the area, is working with the government. This agency funded the app, while NACO is taking care of the operations and implementation part of the programme.
"To start with, it will provide some basic information but slowly we will ramp it up to include detailed information and education as well as various services," an official said to TOI.
According to the official, the app will make sure that it will remain confidential. It can currently be operated in English and Hindi. With the help of app, the health ministry is expecting to reach more than 11 crore people.
Moreover, the government has also plans to launch promotional advertisements for the app on television and radio. It will also make proper use of social media and you tube to spread the awareness.
"Once the app is popular among the youth, we will update it to include more information," the official said.
"There is a gap between the estimated number of people living with HIV and those who have tested and know their status. It is critical that people know their HIV status early so that they can opt for treatment," he further said.
India has the third highest number of estimated people living with HIV in the world, as per United Nations.
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