Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has called for an HIV-free society. (Press Trust of India)
On the eve of World AIDS Day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam today urged the people to pledge their support to those affected with HIV in the state.
"Let us support those with HIV/AIDS. Let's take care of them. Let us create an AIDS-free society," he said, while listing out the various schemes offered by the state government for welfare of HIV patients.
The CM said the state government was taking efforts to create awareness among people on HIV/AIDS through Tamil Nadu AIDS Control Society and 2,458 Red Ribbon Societies in schools and colleges across the country.
He also underlined government schemes to the HIV affected such as free bus passes, Rs 1,000 pension for farmers, age relaxation for elders and young widows.
It was in Chennai where HIV was first diagnosed among female sex workers, after which the communicable disease was known to the country.
Tamil Nadu later became a role model to other states in controlling the menace of spreading HIV through numerous awareness programmes and health campaigns.