Mysuru
Youth have a very important role to play in building a better and stronger nation. Young people should remain aware and protect themselves from dangerous infections such as HIV/AIDS and come forward to build a healthy society, said District AIDS Control Officer Dr. Brinda.
She was speaking after inaugurating the International Youth Day programme held at Chamarajendra Government College of Visual Arts, Mysuru, today. The programme was jointly organised by the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society, Bengaluru, the District Health and Family Welfare Department, Mysuru, the District AIDS Prevention and Control Unit, Mysuru, and Chamarajendra Government College of Visual Arts, Mysuru.
She said everyone should join hands in building an AIDS-free India and ensure that information and awareness about HIV/AIDS reach all young men and women in society.
District Health Education Officer Muneendramma said it was a matter of concern that Karnataka ranks third in the country in terms of the number of people living with HIV. She stressed the need to create widespread awareness among students at the college level itself.
College In-charge Administrative Officer Jai Shankar, who presided over the programme, said information should not be confined to oneself but should be shared with friends to create greater awareness. He said everyone should work towards making Karnataka an AIDS-free State and, at the same time, extend mental and social support to people living with HIV without discriminating against them.
District Supervisor of the District AIDS Control Unit Savitha, counsellors Rajani Shankar, Andani, Balaram and Pradeep, college secretary Sumanth and others were present.
