ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/29/2005 1 December 2005
World AIDS Day - "Know AIDS for No AIDS" book launched
The Australian Deputy High Commissioner to India, Mr David Holly, today launched the book "Know AIDS for No AIDS" on World AIDS Day, along with Nafisa Ali, Chairperson of Action India.
The book aims to provide information on sexual health to young people and thus help prevent the spread of the disease. It is sponsored under an Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) project that provides education on sexuality and sexual health to young people, including information on HIV/AIDS to control the spread of the disease. The target group of the project are boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 17.
"The book aims to create public awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and educate youth about issues related to HIV/AIDS. Information is presented with detailed diagrams and easy-to-understand language," said Mr Holly.
He said that the book should prove to be a valuable tool to empower people living with HIV/AIDS, to dispel myths surrounding HIV/AIDS and to fight prejudices surrounding people with the HIV/AIDS virus.
"It is hoped that through the book, young people will gain knowledge and understanding about sexuality, awareness about HIV/AIDS, confidence to make informed decisions, and development of leadership," added Mr Holly.
Mr Holly also indicated that the Australian Government proposes to extend assistance of A$10 million to UN agencies to help combat the incidence of HIV/AIDS in India's North-East region.
Action India has been active in its campaign to spread awareness to all levels of society since 2000. Action India, along with the Government of Delhi started a holistic care home, at Rajokri (near IGI Airport) - "Ashraya" - in 2002. The home has a 60 bed in-patient facility, with 10 beds being supported by the National AIDS Control Organisation.
For additional information, please contact Mr John Fisher, First Secretary, Australian High Commission on 5139 9997.