AIDS scare looms large

Expressbuzz, 14th December, 2008

With four districts categorised in A group and an equal number under scanner for high levels of migration and industrialisation, the scare of HIV/AIDS looms large over Orissa.
According to latest estimates, total number of persons living with HIV/AIDS in the State is 46,000.
However, the real threat is from the 11 districts which have been put in A and B categories including the four where migration and new industries have made the districts extremely vulnerable.
In a bid to tackle the menace, Orissa State AIDS Control Society (OSACS) is readying a plan to launch rigorous awareness campaigns through IEC in the 11 districts.
Currently, Ganjam, Angul, Balangir and Bhadrak are A category districts, while Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Kalahandi and Jharsuguda face a serious threat due to migration and industrialisation.
S ources in the OSACS said plans are afoot to launch what it calls ‘Intensive District Campaigns’ from January for three months. The campaign would include extensive multimedia shows.
‘‘In Ganjam alone - the most affected district - as many as 200 shows would be held. In all other districts, 100 shows each are planned,’’ sources said.
T he campaign is titled ‘Jeevan Zindabad’ and would include peer educators and PLHIs besides volunteers and Health officials.
The shows would travel to the interior parts of the districts where very little in terms of awareness has reached.
Hosts of IEC materials are being readied for this purpose by OSACS.
M eanwhile, a team from National AIDS Control Organisation is carrying out a review of the programme in the State at present.