World AIDS Day was observed today (December 1) with an awareness procession flagged off by State Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling at Capital Hospital. The rally aimed to promote public awareness about prevention and ensure treatment, striving to eradicate AIDS from society.
Dr. Mahaling highlighted the state's efforts, noting that 2,462 HIV-positive people have been identified in Odisha up to October this year, a decrease in the positive rate compared to 2022-23. The state has achieved its target of 20 lakh tests, completing 1.4 lakh so far.
Infection is primarily attributed to mother-to-child transmission. Districts with high identified cases include Khordha (338), Ganjam (338), and Cuttack (261). Several MLAs, students, and youth participated in the rally held between Capital Hospital and Sish Bhawan Chowk.