Asom to mark Global AIDS Week of Action

Guwahati, May 7 (UNI) The Assam People's Alliance to Combat HIV and AIDS today announced to mark the Global AIDS Week of Action with various district to state-level programmes from May 20 to 26.

Addressing a press meet here, Ms Jahnabi Goswami, president of the Assam Network of Positive People, said, ''We will observe the Global Week for the first time in the state. 30 countries were involved with the Week last year.'' The Week would commence with the International Candlelight Day on May 20. She said, ''About 5,000 people will participate in a silent candle light rally that evening in remembrance of all those who had died of AIDS and those living with the virus.'' Similar rallies would also be organised at Golaghat, Nagaon, Cachar and Barpeta, among the most vulnerable districts in the state, the same evening, she added.

A 'Meira March' (women torch bearers) rally, followed by a convention on violence against women, fulfilment of rights of women and children and gender discrimination in HIV/AIDS affected people, would be held on May 22, Ms Goswami informed.

She further informed that an advocacy meting with stakeholders over access to treatment would be held on the last day of the Global Week.

''Besides these, various rallies and awareness campaigns will be organised at the district level,'' she added.

UNI