NGO organises HIV awareness campaign

New Delhi, November 30

On the eve of the World AIDS Day, NGO India HIV/AIDS Alliance organised an event on HIV awareness and advocacy to acknowledge emerging leaders from men who have sex with men, transgender and hijra population, sex workers, people who inject drugs, people living with HIV (PLHIV) and the youth.

It launched campaign Pata Lagao (find out) based on the World AIDS Day theme ‘Know Your Status’, encouraging people to get tested for HIV and support PLHIV by eradicating stigma and discrimination, and reduce or prevent their risk vulnerability to contracting HIV.

They designed a maze structure with interactive activities to engage people while simultaneously assessing them on their vulnerability to HIV. For instance, the  participants asked few questions from the other to analyse if they should get HIV tested. There were counsellors to educate and encourage especially the ones at higher risk of contracting HIV based on the assessment to get tested. A film-making competition on the theme was announced for college students.

"The day reminds us that HIV is still prevalent,” said Sonal Mehta, CE. Umesh Chawla, director (policy and programmes), said, “The day’s relevance is now more than ever. The world thinks we have addressed the epidemic, but we still have miles to go.” — TNS