from Sanajy Borkar in Margao for Daijiworld News Network - Goa

Ponda, Jul 30: Deputy director of Goa AIDS Control Society Shashikala Prabhudesai has expressed her concern over rising cases of HIV/AIDS in the state and urged the people to take safety measures to eradicate the disease.

She stated this while speaking on the occasion of an AIDS awareness programme conducted by the municipal council here at Ponda and added that 8000 plus HIV/ AIDS cases have been detected in the state so far and that the number could be higher as this disease has been spreading among the youth.

As part of awareness and to spread the message of eradicating the disease 75 umbrellas flashing the messages, were distributed to the locals. She said that 90 percent of HIV/ AIDS infection were caused by sexual intercourse and blood transfusion.

Explaining in detail how and when the HIV/ AIDS came from, Prabhudesai said that in 1986, Chennai in Tamil Nadu reported the first case of HIV. Councillor and former chairperson of Ponda Muncipal Council Prakash Naik welcomed Prabhudesai while councillor Monohar Adpaikar proposed the vote of thanks. Manoj Keni compered the programme.