Collector Calls for Stronger Public Awareness on AIDS

Visakhapatnam District Collector M.N. Harendira Prasad underscored the need to increase public awareness about AIDS while participating in the World AIDS Day programme at the Zilla Parishad office on Monday.

The Collector engaged with children affected by AIDS and inquired about their education and yoga activities. He stated that the program aimed to highlight the government’s support systems, including nutritious food for affected children and health precautions they should follow. He emphasized that the awareness campaign conveyed an important message for all affected individuals in the district and urged people to collaborate in eliminating AIDS, similar to the successful fight against polio.

Prasad pointed out that, besides government departments, several voluntary organisations were extending services and running awareness campaigns. Large-scale outreach programmes are underway among sex workers, transgender persons, and lorry drivers to spread information on preventing STDs and HIV transmission. As part of the event, new clothes were given to women, while children received school bags and nutrition kits.

Senior Civil Judge and DLSS and DLSA Secretary R. Sanyasi Naidu called for collective efforts to end the AIDS epidemic. Mementos and certificates were presented to individuals who had made significant contributions to AIDS prevention. A pledge for AIDS eradication was administered, and cultural performances by children drew appreciation.

The Collector also inaugurated an exhibition set up by the Medical and Health Department to promote awareness of AIDS. Sewing machines were distributed to women affected by AIDS to support self-employment, and a rally was flagged off to mark the occasion.