Date:01/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/01/stories/2008120158590300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Jatha to mark World AIDS Day

Staff Reporter

Bangalore:Several events aimed at creating awareness and campaigning against discrimination of HIV positive people have been lined up by various organisations to mark World AIDS Day on Monday.

Under the theme for the decade, “Stop AIDS: Keep the promise”, the topic for this year is “Leadership”.

The Health and Family Welfare Department has organised a jatha from Vidhana Soudha to Ambedkar Bhavan on Millers Road. It will be followed by a public programme.

ActionAid and Milana, a family support network of HIV positive women, have organised a photo exhibition by freelance photographer Srikanth Kolari.

The exhibition depicts the success and survival stories of three women from Milana, who are HIV positive and leading a life of dignity and purpose. Ten photographs are showcased at the exhibition that is on at the Forum Mall till December 2.

The exhibition is aimed at creating awareness about the struggles and successes of poor but independent women who are stepping into the light from the shadows of stigma and denial.

Though Karnataka has 2.5 lakh people living with HIV, the prevalence rate of the dreaded disease has reduced from 1.5 per cent in 2003 to 0.86 per cent in 2007.

Of the 2.5 lakh positive people, 17,387 adults and the 1,734 children are on anti-retroviral therapy (ART).

FICCI along with the Peenya Industrial Association (PIA) will conduct street plays in Peenya. The Bangalore chapter of Satyam Foundation has organised a poster making competition for HIV positive children.