Lack of understanding leading to spread of HIV/AIDS

Visakhapatnam Apr 16 (UNI) Lack of knowledge and understanding was the major reason for the spread of HIV/AIDS in the state, Mr Chandravadan, Project Director, Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society today said today.

Speaking after inaugurating here the 'Red Ribbon Express Exhibition' initiated by the Centre in an effort to provide a holistic and comprehensive campaign to mobilize public opinion against social stigma attached to HIV/AIDS victims, he said teams of performers will visit remote rural areas to educate people about the disease, cutting across socio-economic, cultural and religious barriers.

The campaign, conceived on the lines similar to that of the Life Line Express' in collaboration with National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and 'Nehru Yuva Kendra' has been traversing the country disseminating correct knowledge on HIV/AIDS and dispelling myths associated with it.

Visakhapatnam is the 79th destination among the 180 scheduled halts of the 'Red Ribbon Express' journeying around the country during a span of 360 days.

During a three-day halt here , a project team of NACO with the support and participation of State AIDS Control Societies, the Indian Railways and Nehru Yuva Kendra volunteers and performers would provide Information, Entertainment and Communication (IEC), training, counselling, testing and medical support, besides disseminating information on services in areas falling within a 20 km radius of the station.

UNI BAR LS HT1412