Family Health Awareness Campaign (FHAC) will be launched in Haryana tomorrow with the aim to sensitise the sexually active population of between 15 and 49 years towards various sexually transmitted infections including HIV and AIDS.

While stating this here today, Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Health, Urvashi Gulati said that special camps would be organised, especially in rural areas and urban slums in each district.During the campaign diagnostic, testing and treatment facilities would also be provided.

She said about 100 to 150 such camps would be held at the of sub-centre level and a team of doctors and para-medical staff would be deputed at each camp. The treatment would be provided free of cost to both partners suffering from sexually transmitted infections.Condoms and other necessary materials would be distributed to the patients, she added.

She said that the Haryana AIDS Control Society had provided medicines, necessary materials and funds for the campaign. The main factor contributing to the spread of HIV infection was migration of population from one part of the country to another in search of job, particularly to metropolitan cities, Ms Gulati added.

The other reasons could be poverty, illiteracy, urbanization and increase in inter-city transportation system together with high prevalence of reproductive tract infections and sexually transmitted infections, she added. Awareness could lead to attitudinal and behavioural changes in individuals and societies towards safe sexual and other healthy life style practices, she added.

Ms Gulati said early diagnosis and effective management of sexually transmitted infections including effective counselling could significantly reduce HIV transmission. People are being encouraged for early detection and prompt management of sexually transmitted infections,she added.