The Paradip Port Hospital and the Paradip Sakshyrata Samiti (PSS) joined hands with local NGOs IRDMS and CIST to observe the World AIDS Day 2017 on Friday.
A road rally and an awareness programme were organised with PPT Deputy Chairman N Vaiyapuri and Paradip Ladies’ Club president Subhalaxmi Roy flagging off the rally from the hospital, which comprised local denizens and schoolchildren, PSS volunteers.
A meeting was held in the PPT Administrative Building premises, in which chief guest PPT Chairman Rinkesh Roy stressed on awareness about AIDS and personal hygiene among adolescent children. He also called for working towards eradication of Hepatitis-B, another disease spreading through virus-infected blood or body secretions. Vaiyapuri called for awareness building to achieve the target of an AIDS-free world by 2030.
PPT Hospital Senior Deputy CMO Dr RK Mallick explained the causes, symptoms and preventive measures to control HIV. PPT Secretary UR Mohan Raju highlighted the PSS’ awareness activities round the year.
Prizes were awarded to the winners of debate competitions among SHG members and schoolchildren Subhalaxmi Roy. Cultural organisation CANMASS staged a street play “Ashcharya Chowki” to create public awareness about AIDS. Free HIV tests for truck drivers were undertaken by the PPT Hospital.