VIJAYAWADA: The stigma attached to HIV positive patients has to be eliminated from the society and for that to happen, everyone must start talking openly about AIDS, suggested Vijayawada City Police Commissioner D Gautam Sawang. Addressing an awareness meeting, organised by The New Indian Express, to mark the World AIDS Day at the IGMC stadium here Thursday. Sawang felt awareness about the problem must start from childhood itself and appreciated the students who attended the event for their interest and enthusiasm.
Sawang, who was the chief guest at the meeting, stressed that the war against AIDS could be won only if the society doesn’t skirt the issue. “It’s the first step that must be taken to prevent the spread of AIDS. If everyone contributes his or her bit, for the betterment of the victims, our country could march ahead towards being HIV-free,” he said.
P Guru Prasad of the Global Super Speciality Hospitals, who was among the invited guests, pointed out that more than 60 per cent of those affected do not know that they have HIV. “They do not know until they are tested at random during unexpected situations. Testing is easier and early detection could save lives. This will happen only if people are aware,” he said.
V Babu Rao, Director, Siddhartha Arts and Science College, also shared his thoughts with the audience as did Mrs Mahalakshmi, Principal, Ravindra Bharathi School.
Earlier, a rally was taken out from the Benz Circle to the IGMC stadium with students from the Ravindra Bharathi Public School, KL University, St Ann’s School and College for Nursing holding placards and banners to create awareness among the citizens about AIDS. Commissioner for Health and Family Welfare I Samuel Anand Kumar flagged off the rally and coined a slogan — Raise your hand with a closed fist to fight for the prevention of HIV — and declared that it would be the theme this year of the Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society.