Srinagar, Dec 01 (KNS): Koshish - a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) on Wednesday conducted an awareness rally regarding Aids disease in various blocks of Parimpora Mandi to celebrate the World Aids Day.

The programme was organised in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Aids Control Society (JKACS) Srinagar and under the directions of Project Director Dr. Sameer Mattoo.

In a statement issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), spokesperson said this year (2021) the theme of the event was “End Inequalities, End Pandemic". He said Koshish team mobilized truckers, community members, fruit dealers and truck association for conducting the rally and New Kashmir fruit association supported the programme in Mandi premises.

Officials said the basic objectives of the awareness rallies was to celebrate world Aids day and disseminate information on HIV/AIDS.

"Apart from celebrating world aids day, Koshish conducts such awareness programs to sensitize the long-distance trucker community about HIV/AIDS, myths, and the importance of protection and self-awareness". These awareness rallies also focus on HIV/AIDS prevention among the local communities which can be at risk, reads the statement.

The dignitaries from the New Kashmir Fruit associations kick start the programme along with the head of the transport association who took part in the event. Koshish highlighted some key issues regarding the need of abolishing the social stigma attached to AIDS patients and the importance of supporting AIDS patients physiologically and through proper medical care.

The awareness programme also sensitizes people about COVID-19, its challenges, and its comparison with AIDS. "In this modern era, it is the responsibility of each citizen not to discriminate against people based on any disease, moreover, such people must not be seen as a separate entity but it is our collective responsibility to assimilate them back into society. (KNS)