Nearly three out of every hundred pregnant women in Andhra Pradesh carry the HIV virus, which is passed on to the unsuspecting infants. The Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) has come to the aid of such infants, suffering HIV at birth. The vision for this group is clear - the society strives to realize infant births sans HIV by the year 2007.

A pioneering effort of its kind in the country, the group has lined up the Telugu Network of HIV Positive People (TNP+) and has launched a scheme, whereby pediatric dosages of Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) would be enabled at the Government hospitals in the State.

Pediatric ART centers will be the main conduits to enable pediatric therapy to children. These centers are expected to be launched in November. The TNP+ people will be playing an important role, having a full-fledged network of 23 districts the state. Additionally the TNP+ groups will call upon the services of Anganwadi workers and nursing- midwives who will narrow down HIV positive pregnant women and guide them about protective measures. Children who are in need of ART will also be identified and sent to therapy units.