The city of Surat witnessed a powerful display of solidarity and commitment on World AIDS Day, with a major state-level awareness event held this Monday. Aligned with the global theme "Change the Response to AIDS — Remove the Barriers," the day was packed with activities aimed at fostering public understanding and enhancing support systems for those living with HIV.
A Rally for Awareness in Adajan
The event kicked off with a large public rally in the Adajan area, which saw enthusiastic participation from over 1,200 individuals. The diverse group included students, youth volunteers, NGO representatives, anganwadi workers, staff from the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), and people living with HIV. The rally was officially flagged off by Surat's Mayor, Daxesh Mavani.
Key highlights of the rally were a symbolic 100-metre red ribbon walk organised by the Gujarat State Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GSNP+) and a culturally rich awareness tableau presented by students of Jalaram International School. These acts served to broadcast a strong message of inclusivity and public health awareness across the community.
Honouring Contributions and Launching Future-Focused Initiatives
Following the rally, the event moved to the Sanjeev Kumar Auditorium for a formal ceremony. Here, 44 organisations and service centres dedicated to HIV care and support were honoured for their relentless contributions. The gathering also served as a platform to launch several groundbreaking services designed to improve the lives of those affected by HIV.
The new initiatives announced include:
- Improved access to HIV medicines in Surat under the Ayushman+ initiative.
- The introduction of digital awareness campaigns via e-posters.
- The release of a documentary chronicling 20 years of Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) in Gujarat.
- The launch of a webinar series named "My Health – My Responsibility."
- The presentation of a 3D model for the proposed GSNP+ Special Children's Home.
- The inauguration of the Skill Over Illness programme, aimed at empowering HIV-positive individuals to achieve financial independence.
Emotional Appeal and Sustained Nutritional Support
The ceremony was graced by a touching cultural performance by children from the GSNP+ Special Home, highlighting the human aspect of the cause. In a significant move for long-term care, a year-long nutritional kit distribution programme was initiated for 300 HIV-positive children to bolster their health and immunity.
The event was jointly organised by GSNP+, in association with the Surat Municipal Corporation and the DISHA unit of Surat. It successfully combined remembrance, recognition of service, and the rollout of concrete, forward-looking steps to change the narrative around HIV/AIDS in Gujarat, focusing on removing barriers and building a more supportive ecosystem.
