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Journalism of Courage
On the occasion of World AIDS Day on December 1, youths from Pune and New Delhi are taking the lead in creating public awareness on HIV and AIDS.
Naz Foundation,New Delhi, Wake Up Pune, and the World AIDS Campaign WAC will together organise dynamic, high profile and creative events to educate people on HIV, overcome stigma and discrimination, and ensure access to treatment, care and support.
Starting Monday, a unique nationwide SMS campaign will be launched, said Jenny McCann, India World AIDS Day project coordinator. This is the first time World AIDS Campaign WAC has been involved in the World AIDS Day celebration in the country, McCann said.
Pune was specifically selected due to the high HIV prevalence rate here. In Pune, according to 2007 statistics, the Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society reported an HIV prevalence rate of 12.27 per cent from Government Testing Centre Data8212;far higher than the national average of 0.3 per cent.
8220;We are encouraging youngsters to take the lead and pledge their support on World AIDS Day by sending an SMS Pledge to 56070. The campaign will be launched on November 17. Young people belonging to 15-24 years of age, account for about 45 per cent of all new HIV infections in adults,8221; said Himakshi Piplani of Global Youth Coalition.
In Pune, events to mark World AIDS Day include youth mandals and Condom cricket tournament finals on November 15 at the Railway ground near Tadiwala Road. The battle of the bands will be held at the HIV positive restaurant 8216;Gaia8217; and the local band winner will perform in the World AIDS Day concert on December 1, said Hans Billimoria of Wake up Pune campaign.
Hindi band Agnee will kick off an HIV Testing Week in Pune on World AIDS Day with a concert and HIV Expo at BJ Medical ground. Street plays, films on HIV, interactive events at shopping malls, college fairs and more will build awareness and momentum in the days and weeks before World AIDS Day.
Data shows that 33 per cent men and 24 per cent women belonging to the age group 15-24 had accurate and comprehensive knowledge on HIV in India. Globally there are 33 million people estimated to be living with HIV. While in Asia, according to 2007 statistcs, there are 5 million people living with HIV.
Around 2.4 million people are estimated to be living with HIV in 2007 and India8217;s HIV prevalence rate among adults in the age group 15-49 is 0.3 per cent. According to National AIDS Control Organisation NACO there are 1.6 lakh people living with HIV who are undergoing anti-retroviral treatment.
