------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- AIDS sensitisation drive held ------------------------------------------- The Freedom Foundation (FF) conducted a awareness cum sensitisation drive among residents of Sorvem-Guirim in April, regarding its community care centre in the village, recently.�The camp yielded good results with most of the residents saying they welcomed the Centre, which is providing free food, lodging and medical treatment for those living with HIV (PLHIV),� claimed FF co-ordinator Karl Pinto de Sousa.
�This is a remarkable turnaround as AIDS is a word which immediately ignites either fear or loathing in the minds of most citizens.��It also does not help that most victims of the disease either get it through the sexual route which is taboo in India or come from sectors of society which are disadvantaged,� he added.
De Souza along with the staff of Freedom Foundation made it their mission to educate people in the surrounding areas irrespective of whether they oppose the project � which is located in a residential area � or not. De Souza informed that last month FF members undertook a survey cum sensitisation of the locals. The survey had a mix of questions to find out what residents knew about HIV/AIDS.What the FF members found out first hand amazed them.
�People have absolutely no idea about facts. Most thought one gets HIV/AIDS through mosquitoes or dog bites, besides sex in Baina� said FF office-assistant Clara. �It was only after we sat down and understood their fears and addressed their concerns were they able to see clearly and were in fact so supportive of us,� she added. �I met many of my ex-students,� said Denise, social worker and ex-school teacher. �They were so happy to see me that they took me around and introduced me. Most people are very open and happy to learn more.� �Of course there are some who still insist on keeping a closed mind and a closed door. For such people we just smile politely and go on,� remarked Denise.
Said Zeina the counsellor: �We do not force anyone we only educate them and leave it up to their conscience.� De Souza sated that the Centre decontaminates all bio-medical waste on site with a combination of bleach and sodium hypochlorite, after which the Centre disposes off the waste at the GMC incinerator in Bambolim. --------------------------------------- HERALD 4/5/04 page 4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you would like to contact FF Co-ordinator Karl Pinto de Sousa email <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goadesc.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy =======================================
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