Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Dec 2: World AIDS Day observed by district administration here under the aegis of district health and family welfare department, district AIDS control and prevention unit, legal services authority, Rukmini Shedthi Memorial National Government first grade College and Post Graduation Study Centre Barkur, NSS unit and College of Nursing Manipal on the campus of Smt Rukmini Shedti Memorial College on Thursday December 1.
Zilla panchayat president Dinkar Babu inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp and addressing the gathering. He said, "People should be more aware of the disease. Our ancestors were less aware of the disease. Hence, there is need to create awareness among them.
ZP CEO Priyanka Mary Francis addressing the students said, "In India, nearly two million suffer from HIV, nearly 50% of the deaths happen in India as compared to the whole of Asia. Karnataka is one of the five states hosting the highest number of HIV infected patients. Youth play a crucial role in eradicating AIDS and youth have to bring those people into the mainstream of society. HIV infected students get facilities from the government.
DHO Dr Rohini in her keynote address informed, "The health department provides ART treatment to 4,925 patients. In 2008, the rate of HIV was 5.6 in the district, but it has now reduced to 0.4. In 2008, HIV in pregnant women was 0.54 and has reduced to 0.06.
In addition, "The main reason for the increase in the number of cases is due to the existence of HIV infected migrant workers residing here. According to a survey, the tested cases were 20,208 and 210 have been reported as positive from January to October. Nearly 80 counselling centers, two ART, one ART plus and four link ART centers are operating in the district. The government is providing nutritious food, bus pass,legal advice, housing sites, hygene kit for infected children.
After the stage function, a yakshagana and a play were performed by artistes to create awareness.
Sheela K Shetty, ZP vice president, Nalini Pradeep Rao, taluk panchayat president, Shaila K D'Souza, Barkur grama panchayat president, Gracy Gonsalves, deputy director of WCWD, professor Vasant Raj Shetty, the college principal and others were present at the programme.