Panaji (Goa): It is the lifestyle of people in Goa which makes the state vulnerable for spread of diseases like HIV/AIDS, Goa Governor S C Jamir said on Thursday.
"Goa is vulnerable because of its lifestyle. There is music and dance every night, people jumping and enjoying music and at times the purpose of their life is lost," Jamir said inaugurating the `Red Ribbon Club', an initiative to spread awareness about HIV AIDS in colleges, at Raj Bhavan here.
Pointing out that HIV AIDS is destroying world's future, Jamir emphasised the need to educate masses about it.
The Governor said that being a tourist destination, Goa was at the risk of getting the disease from other places.
"In north-east we had formulated local area development scheme wherein Rs 50 lakh was given to each constituency. Of the total amount, they were supposed to spend one lakh on AIDS awareness. Goa is a small state and it can take up such programmes," Jamir adviced.
"Political leaders should also take this responsibility and should not only ask for votes," Governor said.
Meanwhile, data available with the State AIDS Control Society reveal that the disease was first identified in Goa 19 years back.
Till 2006, 8,773 HIV cases have been detected at voluntary counselling and testing centres.
The estimated number of people living with AIDS in Goa is around 12,000 with 66 per cent of them being from coastal areas of Salcette, Mormugao, Bardez and Tiswadi.
Comments
0 comment