APSACS organizes World AIDS Day

Hyderabad, Dec 1 : On the occasion of World AIDS Day-2013, the Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) organized a rally from Nizam College grounds to Telugu Lalitha Kala Nilayam followed by a public meeting.

The rally was flagged off by the renowned film actor Dr.Rajendra Prasad. Dr.Buddhaprakash M Jyothi, Mission Director, NRHM has joined the rally. Around 5,000 persons participated in the rally followed by a meeting organized at Telugu Lalitha Kala Thoranam. The programme at Lalitha Kala Thoranam started with cultural activities followed by a meeting. L.V.Subrahmanyam Prasad, Principal Secretary, Health, Medical & Family Welfare presided the meeting. Ajay Sawhney, Principal Secretary, Health, Medical & Family Welfare, attended as the Chief Guest of the function. Dr. Rajendra Prasad and V V Vinayak participated as the Special Guests.

Addressing the meeting Dr B Kishore, Project Director-APSACS said that around 34 million people are infected with HIV in the world and 22 lakh people are infected in the country and 5 lakh people are living with HIV (PLHIV) in the state. He said that with the support of Government APSACS is working for prevention of HIV, treatment, care and support of infected persons and their families. Project Director said that the 100 per cent enrollment of Positive pregnant women for revised PPTCT regimen is a big challenge.

LV Subrahmanyam said that from ancient times Indians were following four principles of Dharma, Purushartha kama mokshalu. He opined that because of the deviations in the dharma Suthras human beings are falling prey to infections like HIV/AIDS.

Ajay Sawhney said that the incidence of HIV is decreasing in the state. He said that all the chest Symptomatic cases were tested for HIV. He said that early detection of HIV state is very important for early initiation ART. He congratulated and its partners for bring down the prevalence in the state and advised to further strengthen the efforts to achieve AIDS free Andhra Pradesh .

Dr.Rajendra Prasad, the noted film actor, said that he participated in the rally and meeting thinking it as his social responsibility. It gave him immense happiness to see that 90 per cent of youngsters participating in the meeting. He advised everybody to adopt healthy habits and protect themselves from the diseases like HIV. He promised to extend his support to such activities in future. He administered the oath with all participants.

Krishna, President of Suraksha Society, Jayamma, President of GMM and Ramesh, President TNP+ Participated in the meeting thanked APSACS for helping them to lead a healthy life.

The IEC material was released. Message oriented Folk songs. Dances by volunteers of Suraksha Society and Classical dance performances by Dr.Padmaja Reddy entertained the audiences with a focus on message on HIV.

V.V.Vinayak, the Well-known Director of Film Industry advised the young men and women to protect themselves from HIV.

The TI –NGOs, DAPCUs, ART Centres, Link Wokers were given awards where commendable services provided. Dr.Hymavathi, Addl.Project Director proposed the vote of thanks. INN