Sunrise Foundation organised a special awareness programme to mark the World AIDS Day at its Abhanpur office recently. Women entrepreneur Ranu Salawat graced the programme as the Chief guest. Lecturer at Government College, Rajnandgaon Neelam Tiwari was the guest of honour. Founder of the foundation Pawan Dwivedi and Bharti also also present on the occasion. In his address, Pawan Dwivedi shed light on the causes and preventive measures of AIDS. He emphasised that AIDS primarily spreads through unprotected sexual contact, transfusion of infected blood, and the use of contaminated needles. He stressed the importance of debunking myths surrounding AIDS, clarifying that it does not spread through casual contact like handshakes or sharing meals. Chief Guest Ranu Salawat highlighted the pivotal role women play in their families.

 

Project Manager of the Lakshya Project Lakeshwari Vishwakarma shared details about the extensive awareness campaign conducted in Abhanpur and nearby rural areas. She said, “We reached out to villages using various methods to educate people about AIDS. Through street plays, posters, and group discussions, we ensured that people of all age groups could easily understand the information.” Separate sessions were held for women in rural areas, where they were educated about the early symptoms of AIDS, preventive measures, and the health services provided by the government. Women were also encouraged to become community advocates, spreading awareness within their families and neighborhoods.