Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JS/EP)
Udupi, Dec 1: “It is necessary to spread knowledge and awareness about AIDS in order to prevent it,” said deputy commissioner G Jagadeesha.
He was speaking after inaugurating global AIDS day programme held in the town hall by the district administration, district panchayat, district health and family welfare department, district AIDS control and prevention unit, district legal services authority, Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Ayurveda institute, Red Cross, NSS unit Udyavar, citizen helpline centre, district hospital Udupi and Udbhava education and rural development organization, Bengaluru.
“The district is in the first position in the state when it comes to controlling the spread of AIDS. There is a scarcity of knowledge about HIV among ordinary people. It is necessary to create more awareness about AIDS control and minimise infection. HIV infected should be treated with respect without discrimination. The government is providing several facilities for HIV infected patients. The information should be provided to them so that they may make use of them,” he said.
District panchayat CEO Dr Navin Bhat said that HIV is spreading through viruses, destroying human immunity in stages. Therefore, patients suffer from various illnesses. So, blood should be tested in the beginning to make sure that the virus does not spread. Several awareness programmes on AIDS are being held these days. People should take sufficient precautions and remain healthy,” he said.
Senior civil judge and member secretary of district legal services authority Kaveri said that AIDS-infected is given the right of secrecy in law. “If an HIV infected person faces discrimination in public or private he has a legal recourse,” he said.
District health and family welfare officer Dr Sudhir Chandra Sooda said that mental and financial support is necessary for HIV infected patients. “Awareness programmes are being held in colleges about AIDS. Students should not become victims of vices,” he said.
Movement about the identification of tuberculosis and its treatment will be held in the district in December. Pamphlets were distributed about it, he added.
People who helped in the AIDS prevention programme were felicitated. District surgeon Dr Madhusoodan Nayak, Dr Prashanth Bhat and others were present. Covid nodal officer Dr Premananda welcomed the gathering. Convener Mahabaleshwar N rendered the vote of thanks.
Senior civil judge and member secretary of district legal services authority Kaveri flagged off a rally which was carried from the service bus stand to the town hall via KM Marg before the programme to mark AIDS Day.