Tamil Nadu - Udhagamandalam   

`Exercise caution to keep AIDS at bay'

Special Correspondent

Red Ribbon Club inaugurated at college

Udhagamandalam: Among those with AIDS, the majority are in the prime stage of their lives, said the Joint Director of Health Services, Bawa Fathrudeen.

Most vulnerable

Inaugurating a Red Ribbon Club at the Government Polytechnic College here on Tuesday, he said that people in the 18-45 age group were the most vulnerable. They should exercise utmost caution to keep the disease at bay. The president, Rotary Club of Nilgiris (West), Mathew Roby Uthup, presided.

The Mass Education Officer, AIDS cell, the Nilgiris, Cicilia Mary, said that the Red Ribbon Club came into being in 1991 to combat AIDS. She added that out of about 6,000 persons examined at the testing facilities in the Nilgiris, 200 were found to have AIDS. She said that the Nilgiris lacked a home to take care of AIDS patients. "In the years ahead, the role of students in containing the spread of the disease is bound to increase considerably," she said.

Fighting malady

The Field Officer, Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society, Vaidheeswaran, adverted to the various ways in which students should be alert in fighting the disease, and listed the responsibilities of the members of the Red Ribbon Clubs. He underscored the need to practice safe sex. K. Gopal of the College conducted a quiz on AIDS. The Officer in-charge of the Club, R. Kumar, proposed a vote of thanks.

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