Sunday, August 28 2005 11:48 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Concerned over rising number of HIV positive and AIDS cases among its personnel, the Border Security Force (BSF) has drawn up comprehensive measures,including a 'methodical tie-up' with the UNAIDS, to check spread of the disease.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) New Delhi office said they are concerned at the rising number of AIDS/HIV positive cases in BSF and decided to establish a Center of Excellence on HIV and AIDS.

Director General of BSF R S Mooshahary said the BSF had entered into an agreement with UNAIDS to effectively manage and fight the increasing HIV-positive and AIDS cases.

"We have entered into an arrangement of methodical tie-up with UNAIDS to increase preventive measures," he told sources, adding basically, the programme will focus on increasing the awareness and counseling among the jawans.

Asked about the reports of over 70 BSF jawans tested HIV-positive all over the country, Mooshahary said, "The number of affected personnel is very low comparing to other security forces."

He said the situation was not 'alarming'.

On whether the percentage of affected personnel was high in Northeastern states, Mooshahary said the problem was not 'area specific.'

"The need is urgent and we have decided to establish a Centre of Excellence on HIV and AIDS at BSF training institute in Tekanpur, Gwalior with dedicated doctors and paramedics," said Meera Mishra of UNDP, New Delhi.