Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Students Urged to Assess HIV Risk and Testing Needs
Health workers held HIV and AIDS awareness programmes at four colleges in Addanki.
They asked students and the public to learn about their HIV risk.
A special QR code can help people decide whether they may need an HIV test.
People answer questions after scanning the code.
Government health centres provide HIV testing for free.
Sharing private information about someone living with HIV or AIDS can lead to punishment under the law.
Students were advised to avoid drug addiction and unsafe sexual practices.
They were also told to call 1097 for HIV and AIDS guidance.
HELP NGO Project Director BV Sagar urged people to understand their HIV risk status and determine whether they need testing.
The awareness programmes were held at four colleges in Addanki on Thursday.
The National AIDS Control Organisation’s Risk Assessment QR Code helps users assess their possible need for an HIV test.
HIV testing is available free of cost at government health centres, according to the organisers.
Sagar advised youth to avoid drug addiction and unsafe sexual practices and use the 1097 helpline for guidance.
- Who
- HELP NGO, the Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, the Prakasam District Medical and Health Department, college staff, students and outreach workers; BV Sagar addressed the programmes.
- What
- They conducted intensified HIV and AIDS information, education and communication awareness programmes and promoted risk assessment and testing.
- When
- Thursday; no specific date was provided.
- Where
- NTR Degree College, Vishwa Bharathi Junior College, Royal Junior College and Harshini Junior College in Addanki.
- Why
- To increase awareness of HIV risk, encourage appropriate testing and promote safer practices and access to guidance.
- Programme type
- Intensified Information, Education and Communication awareness programme on HIV/AIDS
- Location
- Four colleges in Addanki
- Risk assessment tool
- National AIDS Control Organisation Risk Assessment QR Code
- HIV testing cost
- Free at government health centres
- Privacy law
- Sharing confidential information about people living with HIV/AIDS is punishable under the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Act, 2017
- Helpline
- 1097 for HIV/AIDS guidance
- Organisers
- Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, Prakasam District Medical and Health Department, HELP NGO and others