Port Blair, Nov 21: World AIDS Day is observed every year on Dec. 1, to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, so as to enable the general public, youth and adolescence to develop responsible behavior and a positive attitude towards various issues and problems related to HIV & AIDS. The theme for this year is ‘Communities make the difference’.

With an objective to reach out to people living with HIV, who do not know their status and ensuring that they are linked to quality care and prevention services, the A&N AIDS Control Society (ANACS) is organizing a month long activities to observe this day. A rally of school and college students will be held on Nov.30, 2019 as part of the observance of World AIDS Day 2019. The rally will be flagged off from Netaji Stadium by the chief guest, Principal Secretary (Health), A&N Administration, Shri K.R. Meena. The Secretary (Health), A&N Administration and Director, Health Services, A&N Administration will be the guests of honour on the occasion.

Meanwhile, on Nov. 22, a workshop on HIV & AIDS under Red Ribbon Club Banner will be held at ITI Dollygunj at 11 am.  Apart from this, folk performance with the message on HIV & AIDS by Balakrishna Nritya Academy will be organized from Nov.21 to 9 December. About 50 programme will be conducted in different areas of North & Middle Andaman and South Andaman, both in municipal and rural areas. Folk team will be accompanied by IEC Van which will be disseminating audio messages on HIV & AIDS throughout its route.