Monday, November 26, 2001		The world of  dot.com

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most deadly and incurable disease that kills millions of persons worldwide including innocent children. Ever since this scourge affected the modern world15 years ago, the paradigm of safe living changed. Since its onset, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) has infected more than 47 million persons worldwide. Though HIV took off from the developed nation, it has now made developing nations its haven. Over 95 per cent of AIDS deaths occur in the developing world, and increasingly in women. A lot of sites on the Net educate the masses about its prevention, symptoms and … Well! As far as the cure goes, prevention is the only cure.

AIDS.org is a non-profit educational organisation that is a pioneer in providing online AIDS education and provide ways for people to communicate with each other and share HIV information and personal experiences in the battle against AIDS. It provides basic information about AIDS and preventive measures. The site provides you an archive on AIDS treatment, news and daily HIV/AIDS news. It helps the patient to treat and defeat depression, stress and fear of death. It also provides links to articles about the persons who have been long-term survivors of AIDS. Spiritual strength is provided for self-empowerment. A fact sheet has collection of facts on the treatments and conditions; including conventional, alternative and complementary therapies. This section is updated regularly to keep store the latest information. You can subscribe for periodic updates about new features and information. A comprehensive guide to HIV testing answers the most frequently asked question about testing process. Books available on related topics can also be known.

This is the Website of National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Ministry of Health and & Family Welfare, Government of India. It contains information of programs and projects of the organisation and its achievements so far. The site contains database of counselling centres blood testing centres, blood banks, AIDS control offices and STD clinics in various states and UTs. Polices, profile and list of publications of NACO is also available. Besides the scientific information of the disease, the site also presents Indian scenario of AIDS with the help of slide show.

This is the site of World AIDS Campaign launched by the United Nations jointly with UNICEF, WHO, World Bank and many other organisations. Since the victims of this disease suffers from social stigma and discrimination, the site provides guidelines for protection of their human rights. A countrywise report on AIDS is presented in pdf format. Various articles on how the malady spreads and preventive measures are also available.

— Sarabjeet Singh Kanwal