Virbhadra calls for spreading awareness on HIV/AIDS

Shimla, Sep 12 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh today stressed the need for spreading awareness on HIV/ AIDS among the youth of the state.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the ''Convention to take up the Campaign on HIV/AIDS in Universities/Colleges/Technical Institutions, he said the need of the hour was to step up the efforts for HIV/AIDS awareness among the youth who needed to be placed at the centre of the response to the epidemic.

Mr Singh appealed to all the heads of the educational institutions in the state to play a proactive role in moulding the mindset of the youth under their care.

''There is need to create the Red Ribbon Clubs in every educational institute so that they can contribute significantly in removing the levels of unawareness and sensitise youth,'' he said.

He said the state government would bear the travel expenses of all AIDS patients and the accompanying attendants who come for treatment to the Anti Retroviral Centre in the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) from different corners of the state.

State Governor, V S Kokje, was also present on the occasion, emphasised the need for elimination of social barriers be an open discussion on the fatal disease.

''There are about 33 per cent infected people in Himachal in the age group of 15 to 29 years. The youth have the right to health, education and decent standard of living and they must have access to information, skills and services for the prevention, treatment and care of HIV and AIDS,'' Mr Kokje said.

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