Journalism of Courage
Since its inception in 1998 on December 1,World AIDS Day is observed to reaffirm the commitment to prevent HIV/AIDS,raise awareness,minimise the stigma surrounding it and to pledge support for the people bravely living with it. This day reminds people that HIV has not gone away, says Dr R S Paranjape,director of National AIDS Research Institute (NARI).
In December 2010,National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) reported that new HIV infections had reduced by 50 per cent from 2000-2009 and HIV was declining,but rightly emphasised that sustained focus on prevention required. The theme for this year is thus very appropriately titled Getting to Zero and reflects a renewed commitment to solidify the gains already achieved,Paranjape said. Every year,to mark World AIDS Day,the facilities at NARI are opened for public viewing to educate Puneites about the work carried out by the scientists. NARI is visited by almost 1000 people during this time. This year too,the director and the staff of NARI have invited Puneites to visit the Institute on Dec 1 and 2 between 10 am and 5 pm. An exhibition cum guided tour of the NARI laboratories and a Q-n-A session with the experts are part of the activities.
On December 1,the Department of Paediatrics at the Armed Forces Medical College,Pune (AFMC) will conduct an awareness programme with an aim to minimise HIV infection amongst children to zero. AFMC is providing comprehensive care to HIV patients,mainly civilian,free of cost through its dedicated ART center/ HIV clinic. Over 300 HIV positive children are on regular follow up. Most of these children are reared by NGOs like Mamta,Suryodaya,Disha and Deep Griha foundation. A CD on HIV/AIDS awareness will be released on this occasion by Tripjeet Joneja,the first lady of AFMC.
