City marches ahead to create awareness on AIDS

Candle-light marches all over the city were led by volunteers of Red Ribbon Clubs constituted in each college under the aegis of the Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society. More than 26 candle march rallies were held in the city. The observance was a wake up call to the residents across the city to spare a little time to think about the menace and work together against the disease. Ajoy Sharma,Special Secretary Finance-cum-Director Higher Education was the chief guest on the occasion. Other officials were also present on the occasion.

PGI

State Training Resource Centre of the School of Public Health,PGI observed World AIDS Day at Urban Health Training Centre,Indira Colony to generate awareness among masses about the HIV epidemic. The theme for this year is ‘Act,Aware’. Prof Rajesh Kumar,Head,PGIMER School of Public Health talked about various health problems which are affecting the urban slum dwellers. He highlighted the need for awareness generation among the high risk groups and general population about the methods of spread and prevention of HIV.

Mayor Anu Chatrath who presided over the function as chief guest highlighted the need for greater coordination between the health department and Municipal Corporation and announced that the civic body will provide a larger area of land for running a PGI dispensary in Indira Colony. She also announced that a Multi-Specialty Hospital has been approved for Pocket number 8 area in Manimajra. A painting competition on the theme of “Act,Aware” was organized on the World AIDS Day for primary and secondary school students of the schools in Manimajra. A music and dance programme was organized for the high-risk population under the targeted intervention programme run by the Indian Public Health Association (IPHA) for control of HIV/ AIDS. Around 150 residents from Indira Colony attended the event.

Awareness stalls displaying IEC material was set up by the NGO. Signature campaign to strengthen solidarity and support for those affected by HIV was also kickstarted by the Mayor.

Environment Protection Association

‘Environment Protection Association’(EPA),observed AIDS Awareness Day at Sector 17 market. A candle march was conducted in the market area of Sector 17 to create awareness regarding AIDS. Around 100 people participated. The march was flagged off by president of District Congress Committee (Urban) I H.S Lucky.

President EPA Sukhpal Singh Raju said that the NGO is also working on the planning for water harvesting at various locations of Chandigarh. This will save water as well as reduce water logging at roundabouts in rainy season.