The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : AIDS awareness programme

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Tuesday, Dec 09, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

AIDS awareness programme

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI: Nearly 1,000 members of self-help groups (SHGs) run by non-governmental organisation Asha Nivas learnt about prevention of AIDS, and how to spread the message on preventive aspects among their peers, at an awareness programme conducted here on Monday.

Concern, a wing of Asha Nivas, organised the programme at B.V. Colony, Vysarpadi, in connection with World AIDS Day.

A centre for awareness education on HIV/AIDS and drug abuse, Concern also conducts health camps every month.

Concern’s community development officer, R. Susaiyah, said that the SHG members were enlightened on how to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and the need to educate people in their neighbourhood to control it.

270 SHGs

About 270 SHGs have been formed by Asha Nivas in the city.

Concern’s cultural troupe created awareness of various issues related to HIV/AIDS through their performance.

Last year, a similar programme was organised in south Chennai.

Vysarpadi was chosen for the awareness meeting this year as most north Chennai residents lack knowledge about HIV/AIDS, and its prevention, compared to their counterparts in the southern parts of the city, he said.

Two persons living with HIV/AIDS also shared their experience, particularly about the initial problems that they faced and how they lead an active life.

Perambur MLA S.K. Mahendran underscored the importance of the role of SHG members in reaching out to the community faster.

President of Lions Club of Golden Lotus Gajapathy and Asha Nivas president Kurian Thomas participated in the programme.

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