Pune: co-relation between STD and HIV

May 21, 2003

Awareness and acceptance will curb AIDS spread'

TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2003 01:35:07 AM ]

PUNE: A series of surveys by the National AIDS Research Institute

(Nari) have revealed a strong co-relation between sexually-

transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV/AIDS. Conducted during 1993-2002

at various STD clinics in the city, the survey revealed that every

fifth man and every eighth woman suffering from STD tested positive

for HIV. Some 9,000 people were screened during the survey.

Nari deputy-director Dr Sanjay Mehendale, speaking at an HIV/AIDS

poster exhibition and awareness programme, organised by the Society

of Friends of Sassoon Hospitals and nongovernmental organisations

Manavya and Sneh Prakash Parivar, at the Film and Television

Institute of India auditorium on Monday, said unsafe sexual practices

accounted for 85 per cent of HIV cases in the country.

" Awareness and proper knowledge of HIV/AIDS is the need of the hour.

Besides this, social acceptance and a healthy discussion on `sex

education' in school and homes is necessary, " Mehendale said.

Manavya founder member Vijayatai Lawate, who has been working for the

rehabilitation of HIV-infected children for many years, said social

acceptance of the HIV-affected was the first step towards their

rehabilitation.

" Often, society shuns children of HIV-infected parents. As human

beings, they too have a right to lead a dignified and happy life.

Hence, it is the responsibility of society and the government to

accept them and help them, " Lawate said.

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