Telangana plans QR-based HIV risk self-assessment for youth | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: In a move to bring HIV awareness and testing closer to young people, the state govt plans to roll out QR codes that will allow users to privately assess their HIV risk and locate the nearest testing centre.The QR codes will be displayed in public places, hospitals, offices, professional and degree colleges, IT hubs, railway and bus stations, malls, and other locations that host large public gatherings.“The aim is to sensitise people and encourage those who are at risk to come forward for testing. After scanning, the QR code will also indicate the nearest ART centre where they can access testing and, in case of a positive result, treatment,” said K Vidyasagar, project director, Telangana State AIDS Control Society (TGSACS).The initiative is aimed particularly at reaching young people and encouraging them to take the first step towards knowing their HIV status.The QR-based self-assessment tool will allow people to assess their risk privately, without immediately approaching a healthcare worker. Based on their responses, users will be guided on whether they should consider testing and informed about where testing and related services are available.The initiative is being rolled out alongside an intensified Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign on HIV/AIDS and syphilis.“We are planning to meet representatives of major corporate companies in the coming days to seek their participation and support,” a health official said.Telangana currently has 127 Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs), 11 mobile ICTCs and 22 Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centres. The state also has 11 ART centres operating under the public-private partnership model, 48 designated STI/RTI clinics and 30 Sampoorna Suraksha Kendras providing prevention, testing, counselling and related services.“Wider use of the QR-based system could help bridge the gap between awareness and actual testing, particularly among young people who may hesitate to directly approach a healthcare facility,” Vidyasagar said.