Mysuru: The city today observed World AIDS Day as a few organisations held awareness rallies to educate the people about the dreaded infection, how to cope with it and prevention.

Early in the morning, about 20 AIDS affected orphan children of Amma Mane run by former Minster S.A. Ramdas climbed the 1,000 steps of Chamundi Hill in just 15 minutes sending a clear message to the people that though they were AIDS-infected, they were still physically much stronger than normal people to undertake arduous tasks.

Wearing masks and carrying placards that said, “We are also your children, love us,” “We will become virus-free and be role models to the world,” the children enthusiastically climbed the steps and after reaching the top had the darshan of Goddess Chamundeshwari. Corporator B.V. Manjunath, Yoga Guru Dhanyakumar and others were present.

A jatha was organised by the JSS Nursing College at Rajendra Bhavan Auditorium in association with District Health and Family Welfare Department and District AIDS and Prevention Control Unit with the theme ‘My health is my right,’ and ‘Health is everyone’s right.’

Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep inaugurating the programme said that everyone in society should be aware of this dreaded infection. “Everyone has a role to play in spreading awareness about AIDS.

The more one maintains secrecy the more the problem will increase. The ART (Antiretroviral Therapy)  Centres are providing free treatment to people afflicted with AIDS and hence everyone should make use of it,” he said.

District Surgeon Dr. Pashupathi, JSS Nursing College Principal Dr. Sheela William, District AIDS Controller Dr. C. Suvarna, ART Nodal Officer Dr. M. Srinivas and others were present.