Chandigarh: Cycle Rally to fight against HIV/AIDS

[Guest guest]

Cycle RALLY to fight against HIV/AIDS

Chandigarh; Stigma and discrimination are the major obstacles to effective

HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Fear of discrimination prevents people from

seeking treatment for AIDS or from acknowledging their HIV status publicly.

There are approx. 450 HIV+ve People living in Chandigarh. Out of

these about 140 have AIDS and are taking treatment from the ART Center, PGIMER.

Among the High Risk Groups, the prevalence of HIV in Chandigarh is highest

amongst the Intravenous Drug Users (8.6%). The MSMs have lower prevalence

(3.6%) and Female Commercial Sex Workers the lowest (0.4%). As unsafe sex is

the commonest reason for spread of HIV, abstinence and Condom use is the only

prophylaxis.

To be safe from HIV and to remove stigma and discrimination and also to bring

the spirit to live and let live, Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society organized

a big cycle rally to generate AIDS awareness among the general population of the

city. About 700 Youth and workers including people from High Risk Groups came

together to participate in this cycle rally and distribute pamphlets throughout

the city.

The cycle rally flagged off from three different corners from

urban slums of the city. The first batch of cyclists was flagged from Lal

Bahadur Shastri Colony Sec. 56, second batch was flagged off from Colony No. 5

and third batch of cyclists was flagged off from Bus Stand Ramdarbar

The rally passed through different sectors of Chandigarh and finally converged

at Student Centre, Panjab University, Sec. 14, Chandigarh.

A gala awareness programme was organized at Student Centre, Panjab

University. Shri Ram Niwas IAS, Home Secretary-cum-Secretary Health, UT,

Chandigarh was the Chief Guest for this function.

A pledge to fight against HIV/AIDS was administered by the Chief

Guest. All the dignitaries and the volunteers holding placards in their hands

raised their right hand and took the pledge. A resolve was signed.

Dr. M.S. Bains, Director Health & Family Welfare said that this campaign will

encourage people to break the silence and the barriers to effective HIV/AIDS

prevention and care and will also help in removing the stigma and discrimination

attached with it.

Dr. Vanita Gupta, Project Director, State AIDS Control Society,

U.T., Chandigarh while presenting the current scenario of HIV infection in the

city said that it is very important that every one join their hands in this

fight so that we have “Zero New HIV Infection City”.

Red Ribbons along with Halogen air filled balloons were released

during the function. The volunteers formed a human chain and raised slogans

motivating people to avoid stigma and discrimination.

--

Sandeep Mittal

Deputy Director (TI)

Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society

International Hostel, Madhya Marg,

Sector 15-A, Chandigarh - 160015

Phone: 0172 - 2544589, 2783300

Mobile: 094175-79664

Fax: 0172 - 2700171

e-mail: <sandeep.ngoadvisor@...>

Mail any query on HIV/AIDS at

aidshelpline@...

Chandigarh AIDS Helplines

1097(TOLL FREE)

91-172-2542365

91-172-2542367