EFICOR calls for concerted effort to combat AIDS

EFICOR has called for a concerted and complementary response for checking the spread of HIV/AIDS epidemic.

All concerned – public, private and voluntary sectors – need to collaborate and cooperate with each other in fighting this pandemic, said Rev. Dino L Touthang, director general of EFICOR.

According to Rev. Touthang, HIV/AIDS presents a major challenge to human development impeding the progress of any country if left unchecked.

EFICOR has launched a public awareness campaign, 'Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise,' and has welcomed the government participation.

Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Panabaka Lakshmi, said that the government's commitment requires a large pool of resources for a long term strategy to combat and control AIDS which would entail commitments and partnerships with governments, business establishments and communities.

According to latest U.N. report, India has surpassed South Africa as the country have maximum number of HIV/AIDS patients with South Asia accounting for 25 percent of world's HIV/AIDS population.

The epidemic has now moved from the high risk groups into the general population, and it is time for each individual to realize his or her vulnerabilities and take steps to ensure protection, the report suggested.