Approximately 35.3 million people are living with HIV globally. Of these, approximately 17.2 million are men, 16.8 million are women and 3.4 million are less than 15 years old. There were about 1.8 million deaths from AIDS. There are an estimated 10 lakh people currently living in India with HIV (PLHIV).
The chief guest of the programme was Mrs Mary MK, Junior Health Assistant, PHC, Pernankila. Ms. Stephy Cherian of IV Year BSc Nursing welcomed the gathering. In her inaugural address, she spoke on adolescent issues and behaviours which contributes to HIV/AIDS and the role of parents in identifying and correcting such behaviours in their children. Dr.Shashidhara YN, HOD Department of Community Health Nursing emphasized the importance on the theme. He also elaborated on prevalence and incidence of HIV/AIDS in India and Karnataka and explained about HIV/AIDS, STD’s, and ICTC and its functions.