Aids Seems More Prevalent Among Goan’s – Governor Visioned

Lifestyle patterns of Goan’s can be the main cause for HIV/AIDS spread – says Governor, Mr S C Jamir.

People should follow the Government policies and initiatives to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, Governor adds.

Many labourers who got jobs in Goa, since it has been a favourite tourist spot, bring with them the dreadful virus (HIV) when they arrived – said Mr Jamir.

Mr Jamir suggested the Chinese proposal named ‘Four Frees and One Care’ meaning free anti-retroviral drugs, free voluntary counselling and testing, free drugs to prevent mother-to-child transmission and free schooling for orphaned children, and finally care and financial assistance to suffering people.

Next to South Africa, India stands for AIDS infection. In India, 90 per cent of the infected persons are in the productive age group of 15-49 years out of which 32 per cent are young men and women in the age group of 15-29 years.

A programme, focussing to creating AIDS awareness and preventing its spread is the main aim of the Red Ribbon Club. It has made campaigns in 46 higher educational institutions in the state, covering around 20,000 students, this year. It also aimed to start peer group educators.

Maximum of the infected people fall between the age group of 15-49, including both male and females.

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Usual mode of transmissions are sexual route is the predominant mode of transmission (92.5 per cent), followed by mother-to-child infection (6.3 per cent), infection through infected syringes/needles (0.7 per cent) and by way of blood and blood products (0.5 per cent).

Mr U K Vhora, the health secretary, delivered in his speech that most of the youngsters are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, thus making way for RRC’s start.

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Now FM radio station in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Open University for broadcasting AIDS-related programmes to minimize or else arrest its spread.