RED-RIBBON MARCH TO KICK-OFF AIDS AWARENESS WEEK ON NOVEMBER 30th

[Guest guest]

RED-RIBBON MARCH TO KICK-OFF AIDS AWARENESS WEEK ON NOVEMBER 30th

The Red Ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness; a symbol of respect

for those who have died of AIDS, of concern for those living with it, and

reminder to us all of the constant need to keep up the fight against AIDS.

It is also a symbol of how great achievements begin with small actions. The Red

Ribbon came into being in 1992 as the idea of a small HIV charity, Visual AIDS,

in New York. Now, it is recognised world over as the symbol of AIDS awareness.

However, that is only because the people who wear it show their support through

speaking up and taking action on HIV and AIDS. Wearing the Red Ribbon is

perceived as the first step in the fight against AIDS.

The World AIDS Week starting from the 14th World AIDS Day on December 1, the

first AIDS Day of this millennium is unique in the sense, that the AIDS

Awareness has now moved from highlighting the problem symbolising a monster,

'Bakasur', 'Narkasur', 'Anaconda' or Dinosaur, to care, as the theme of World

AIDS Day 2001 is " I Care . Do You? "

From a deadly disease during 1981 to 1995, HIV/AIDS has now become a chronic

manageable disorder like diabetes and hypertension due to the discoveries of

potent medicines for its management. Though the currently available

anti-retroviral treatment (ART) does not cure the infection, it provides a lease

of life for over 10 years. The cost of ART has come down from Rs. 40,000/- pm.

in 1996 to Rs.1,500 to 8000/-pm depending on the combination of three different

medicines.

PHO has organised host of activities starting with 'Red-Ribbon March' on 30th

November, the eve the World AIDS Day, from its office in J.J.Hospital Compound.

PHO President Sunil Dutt, cine-actress Kunika Lall and T.V. star (Tele-serial

" Shagun " fame) Karan Sadanand will lead the march with host of other

dignitaries. The Rotaract Club of Bombay Hills, National Cadet Corps (NCC) and

several schools and colleges have joined PHO for the Red-Ribbon March and other

programs during the week.

This is the twelfth consecutive year of the AIDS Awareness March organized by

PHO so far. It will pass through crowded areas of Nagpada, Bombay Central,

Lamington Road and Opera House before reaching Girgaum Chowpatty, where it will

be on display till 8th December. On 8th December there will be an event for

Lighting Candles at 'RED RIBBON' at 6 p.m. followed by VIGIL AGAINST AIDS - a

Cultural Nite, Girgaon Chowpatty. PHO President Shri Sunil Dutt, M.P. will

preside over the function and several dignitaries will grace the program

PHO has organised several activities to observe the extended week in Mumbai and

19 cities of six states. PHO is holding two major Exhibitions: at Churchgate and

Mumbai CST stations from Dec.1-7 in collaboration with the Western and Central

Railways, besides collaborating with colleges, youth groups and NGOs. PHO

appeals NGOs, religious bodies, colleges/schools and the entire community to

observe this week to continue the spirit beyond to create much needed awareness.

PHO will run a Coordination Hotline at Tel.: 3719020 and a Mobile HIV

Counselling & Testing Service at several locations during the week.

Dr.I.S.Gilada, Secretary General, PHO

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WORLD AIDS WEEK (Dec. 1-7)/ WORLD AIDS DAY: Dec.1

PEOPLES HEALTH ORGANISATION (INDIA)

MAIN PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE

Nov. 30: 2.30 pm: Star-studded 'RED RIBBON March' (an international symbol

meaning- I care for HIV/AIDS) from

PHO,J.J.Hospital to Girgaum Chawpatty via Nagpada, Bombay Central, Lamington

Road, Opera House PHO President Shri Sunil Dutt, M.P. to lead the March

December 1:9-11 am: Human Chain for AIDS Awareness by Rotaract Club of Bombay

Hills South and PHO, at Churchgate Junction

11 am: Inauguration of Mega-Exhibition on AIDS: Churchgate (Dec.1-8)

December 1: 1 pm: Inauguration of Mega-Exhibition on AIDS: Mumbai CST (Dec.1-8)

December 2: 10 am: Symposium on HIV Care for HIV-affected people

December 3: 10 am: HIV/AIDS in Workplace, & , Mulund Factory

December 4: 11 am: 'Two decades of HIV/AIDS', at Somaiya Medical College,

Sion

2 pm: SEX WORKERS Educating Masses on AIDS & Free Condom

Distribution at Churchgate, CST, Bombay Central Stations

December 5: 11 am: HIV Awareness Programs for Western Railway: Bandra

December 6: 11 am: HIV Awareness Programs for Western Railway: Borivali

December 7: 11 am: HIV Awareness Programs for Western Railway: Churchgate

December 8: 6 pm: Lighting Candles at 'RED RIBBON' followed by

VIGIL AGAINST AIDS - a Cultural Nite,

Girgaon Chowpatty

PHO President Shri Sunil Dutt, M.P. to

preside over

Several dignitaries will grace the program

Dr.I.S.Gilada, Hon. Secretary General, PHO

Rotaract Club of Bombay Hills, NCC, NSS and several colleges have joined PHO for

the AIDS Awareness Week programs

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