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Legislators urged to spearhead AIDS battle

By Our Staff Reporter

PONDICHERRY, SEPT. 6. The Union Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Oscar Fernandez, has called upon Members of Parliament and MLAs in Pondicherry to spearhead the fight against HIV (Human Immune-deficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) in the Union Territory.

Addressing a meeting of the elected representatives here today, the Minister said the issue was of such importance that it transcended party loyalties. He pointed out that AIDS was spreading fast in the country, with some estimates suggesting the disease had affected 5.1 million people.

Mr. Fernandez called upon the MPs and MLAs to form a core group among themselves and appoint a convener to evolve a united approach to battling HIV and AIDS.

He said adequate infrastructural facilities to tackle the disease and medical facilities to treat patients were badly needed.

Mr. Fernandez said sustained awareness should be created among people, particularly the vulnerable sections, of the disease; such an exercise should begin at the panchayat level.

A video presentation on the implementation of AIDS Control programme in Pondicherry was also held.

The Chief Minister, N. Rangasamy, his ministerial colleagues, the Deputy Speaker, A.V. Subramanian, the Leader of the Opposition, R.V. Janakiraman, the two MPs V. Narayanasamy and M. Ramadass, and the legislators of the Congress, the DMK and the AIADMK were among the others who participated in the deliberations.

Farook completes 67

Former Chief Minister of Pondicherry, M O H Farook, who has been appointed Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, completed 67 years today.

Mr. Fernandez called on Farook and played a `Happy Birthday' tune with a mouth organ he brought with him to greet the Ambassador-designate.

Mr. Rangasamy, his cabinet colleagues, legislators and leaders of various political parties also greeted him.

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