PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
A State level rally was organised in Dehradun on the occasion of World AIDS Day to spread awareness about the disease on Monday. The rally was organised under the aegis of the Uttarakhand State AIDS Control Society (USACS) and the State Health department. This year the National AIDS Control Society (NACO) has given ‘Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response’ theme which is based on effective control measures by leaving behind the challenges of past years.
The rally commenced from Gandhi Park and after meandering through Clock Tower, Darshan Lal Chowk, Buddha Chowk and Parade Ground returned back to Gandhi Park to culminate there.
Speaking on the occasion the additional project director of the USACS, Dr Amit Shukla said that the objective of the society is to ensure that all the services related to AIDS/ HIV reach the last person on the social ladder. He said that the society operates ART centres, ACTC and holds awareness programmes and provides free testing and treatment facilities in the State and thousands of people are taking their benefit. Dr Shukla said that there is a need to break stereotypes and provide scientific information to the people about AIDS and prevent social discrimination of the affected people. He highlighted the role of youngsters through the colleges, universities and self-help groups in this endeavour
