Mysuru: Marking World AIDS Day, a programme was held under the aegis of Farooquia College of Pharmacy, District Administration, Department of  Health and Family Welfare, Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society, District AIDS Control Cell, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and Indian Medical Association (IMA) Mysuru Branch at the College premises here this morning.

Inaugurating the programme, DLSA Member-Secretary B.P. Devamane observed that today’s fast life has made people go after medication frequently. He hence suggested people to develop patience and friendly behaviour to keep the mind cool and avoid medication. He contended that legal awareness was poor even in city which should improve.

Briefing the gathering, District AIDS Control Officer Dr. Ravi recalled that the National Programme on AIDS Prevention was launched in 2005 when Mysuru District had 15,218 cases of AIDS which has dropped to 548 during 2019-20 which indicate a good awareness among people. He disclosed that three Anti-retroviral Treatment (ART) Centres have been opened at KR Hospital, JSS Hospital and Asha Kirana Hospital together with ten link ART Centres in rural areas to provide good counselling also. He added that several NGOs too were providing assistance. Stating that Red Ribbon Groups have been formed at 304 Colleges, he expressed confidence in evolving an AIDS-free District during 2020-23.

State IMA Vice-President Dr. Suresh Rudrappa. Department of Health and Family Welfare Deputy Director Dr. H. Ramachandra, Assistant Director Dr. B.S. Pushpalatha, Family Welfare Officer Dr. Siraj Ahmed and others were present. Earlier to that, the students of the College took out an awareness rally in Tilaknagar.