World AIDS Day: focus on access to treatment

[Guest guest]

AIDS Day: focus on access to treatment

Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State AIDS Control Society (KSACS) will conduct

seminars, public meetings, rallies, red ribbon events and poster exhibitions to

mark the observance of World AIDS Day on December 1.

Health Minister P.K. Sreemathy will inaugurate the State AIDS Day observance on

Tuesday, which will be followed by a magic show presented by Gopinath Muthukad.

`Universal Access and Human rights' is the theme chosen for World AIDS Day this

year to stress that universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, prevention, care

and support services are fundamental human rights. Even though millions of

people are infected with HIV every year globally, only a fraction of those who

require anti-retroviral therapy actually receive it. Various kinds of

discrimination prevent many in this group from accessing the available HIV-care

services. Protection of human rights is thus vital for combating the HIV

epidemic is the message conveyed on the day.

All programmes will be organised jointly by the various service centres of the

KSACS and other voluntary organisations in the field.

The red ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness, representing the

global fight against HIV/AIDS. People are encouraged to wear the red ribbon on

World AIDS Day as a symbol of their solidarity in the fight against the epidemic

and to demonstrate their care and concern for those affected by the infection.

Volunteers will pin the red ribbon on Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan at his

official residence on Tuesday morning as part of the campaign.

All government officials at the Collectorate, Social Welfare Department,

Corporation, municipalities, district medical offices, etc., will wear red

ribbons on the day. Non-government organisations (NGOs) will hold rallies,

awareness classes, discussions, quiz, etc.

Voluntary blood donation is another important activity being taken up on the

day, focussing on public sector offices.

The Home Department will also hold several programmes on World AIDS Day and

about 30,000 police officials will don the red ribbon. Poster exhibition and

awareness classes have been organised in the State Armed Reserve Police Camp.

The programmes at the Central Prison will be inaugurated by the Additional DGP.

The departments of Tourism, Labour, Transport and Kudumbasree will join in the

day's programmes. All officials as well as KSRTC bus conductors and drivers will

wear the red ribbon.

Special kiosks will be set up at railway stations and bus stations to distribute

AIDS awareness materials and the red ribbon. The Blood Safety Division of KSACS

will organise 28 voluntary blood donation camps on the day across the State as

well as 54 camps in the entire week.

http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/29/stories/2009112954260500.htm