Health awareness only way to prevent AIDS: Minister Dharmana Krishna Das

Srikakulam: Awareness on health among public is only way to prevent alarming spread of HIV-AIDS disease, said Roads and Buildings Minister Dharmana Krishna Das.

Participating in an awareness rally and meeting on HIV-AIDS organised by District Medical and Health Department here on Sunday to mark the World AIDS Day here, the Minister said that every person should take it as a responsibility to build a healthy society by spreading awareness among vulnerable sections.

He also appealed to doctors to serve poor and weaker sections without profit and asked them to create health awareness and preventive measures among people. "We should feel shameful as our state stands in second position in spreading of HIV-AIDS in our country," he said.

On the occasion, the minister handed over nutritious food to AIDS patients which was provided by Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS). The Minister also presented awards to doctors and an NGO, Bejjipuram Youth Club which is fighting against AIDS.

District Collector J Nivas said that due to lack of awareness and education, most AIDS patients are unable to get good medical treatment and medicine for their ailment. District medical and health department officials Dr M Chenchayya, Dr B Jagannadham and Dr M Praveen also participated.