People with HIV/AIDS celebrate V-Day in TN

Chennai, Feb 13 (UNI) About 200 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) today celebrated Valentines Day and distributed roses and handouts in public, urging them to help in eradicating the stigma and discrimination against PLHAs.

As part of the event, organised by Tamil Nadu AIDS Solidarity Action (TASA), a huge heart symbol of ten feet height and an equal width, bearing 1,100 roses was displayed at Thiru Vi Ka Park in the city.

Talking to UNI here, TASA Chairperson A J Hariharan said this event would create an opportunity to ponder over the discrimination, violence and marginalisation against PLHAs.

He said the challenge was in reaching out to the marginalised communities to create awareness about HIV prevention and support them with adequate services.

''When each one of us becomes aware of how to protect himself/ herself from the virus and has the access to services, one can be confident that we have started to overcome the epidemic,'' he said, adding, ''till then our work will continue.'' UNI SNR SJ GL DS1651