Fernandes exhort youth to be part of crusade against HIV/AIDS

Union Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, Oscar Fernandes today exhorted the youths to be a part of the crusade against HIV/AIDS plaguing the country.
"Be a volunteer to spread awareness on HIV and AIDS... If you be a part of the crusade then half of the battle could be won," Fernandes said while addressing the advocacy rally on HIV/AIDS under the multi-media campaign here this evening.
Fernandes, who is also the president of Forum for Parliamentarians on HIV/AIDS, called upon the people to put an end on social stigmas associated with HIV and AIDS and urged the people to help such victims to lead normal lives.

"We should put our hands together to see that prevalence of HIV and AIDS in the state could bring down by fifty per cent. Involving youths in the campaign against HIV and AIDS help the state government to win the battle against the menace," he said.
Stating that India provides AIDS medicine to 80 per cent countries in the world because of its cheap prices, the Union minister disclosed that worldwide people are looking at India as the leader in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Arunachal Pradesh has recorded 216 HIV sero positive cases out of total 2,24,918 patients screened while the first AIDS case in the state was detected in the year 1998.

Out of 18 districts three are not affected by HIV/AIDS while the state government has established 27 integrated counselling and treatment centers (ICTCs) in the state with 20 Red Ribbon Clubs.