Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Slew of programmes for World AIDS Day

Thiruvananthapuram: The State Bank of Travancore, in association with Terumo Penpol, Rotary Club of Trivandrum and Club 25, will observe World AIDS Day on December 1. The World AIDS Day theme for 2009 is ‘Universal Access and Human Rights’. According to UNAIDS estimates, there are 33.2 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2007, some 2.5 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV are before 25 and die of AIDS before they are 35.

Started on December 1, 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.

This year’s observance will focus on creating awareness among youth, inspiring them to make responsible choices, maintain a healthy lifestyle and donate blood regularly, a press note issued here said. The target audience is students from various higher secondary schools and colleges in and around Thiruvananthapuram.

L. Radhakrishnan, Principal Secretary (Power), is scheduled to inaugurate the function.

A talk on prevention care and counselling of HIV/AIDS by public consultant Dr. Yamini Thankachi, quiz on blood and blood donation and skit competition on voluntary blood donation by Club 25 members are planned.

A mega blood donation camp will be the highlight of the day. A lucky dip contest is also planned for students.

The note said the main objective of World AIDS Day was to highlight the importance of regular voluntary blood donation and promote the concept of Club 25 among school-leaving students.

The voluntary non-remunerated blood donors are the foundation of a safe blood supply because they are associated with significantly lower levels of infections that can be transmitted by transfusion, including HIV and hepatitis viruses.

For information on the Day’s programmes, contact the organisers on 93880 22400 or 3015602.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Award for FSL director
Rich pickings on canvas
Prices under check, says Supplyco
Mobile communication platform unveiled
DA orders issued
Slew of programmes for World AIDS Day
Applications invited
Technopark to drive growth of rural Kollam
Medical administration steps up flu surveillance activities
Admission process starts
Constable suspended
Talent pool draws praise
In Tiruvananthapuram Today

Copyright © 2009, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu