Dr Geeta Kakodar flags off the EC Van to create awareness among the Public about AIDS.
PANAJI
The State level function of World Aids Day 2022 was celebrated by Goa State AIDS Control Society in the city on Friday. The theme of this year is “Equalize”.
Speaking as the Chief Guest Dr Geeta Kakodkar Director of DHS complimenting the Goa State AIDS Control Society and various NGOs for their work in creating awareness among people regarding AIDS through various initiatives, competition, programmes etc stressed the need to stop stigmatising and discriminating people living with HIV.
She said NGOs play a vital role to spread awareness in the community and also urged youths to create awareness of various diseases.
Dr Geeta Kakodkar distributed prizes to the winners of Reel competition organised by Goa State AIDS Control Society for general public and Poster Making competition. She also released the Goa SACS newsletter on the occasion.
Principal, Institute of Nursing, Dr Wilson Fernandes also spoke on the occasion
Project Director Gokuldas Sawant in his address said the “Equalize” slogan is a call to action. It is a prop for all of us to work for the proven practical actions needed to address inequalities and help end AIDS.
As per the report submitted by the Goa State AIDS Control Society, the total number of HIV+ cases detected in Goa since 1987 till October 2022 is 17,996. Total AIDS cases reported to Goa SACS up to 2022 is 1,873 and AIDS-related deaths reported to Goa SACS up to September 2022 is 1,274.
HIV infection is prevalent in all parts of Goa and majority of the cases are reported in the four coastal talukas viz. Mormugao (17.0%) Salcete (13.4%) in South Goa District and in Bardez (19.2%) and in Tiswadi taluka (12.1%) in North Goa district during 2021. Out of 223 cases reported in Goa during the year 2021, 15.2% belong to other States/Foreigners/not specified.
