New Delhi, Dec 1: USAID India Mission Director George Deikun has
said that strong partnerships between individuals, organisations and
governments could make big difference in the fight against AIDS.

"We must also always remember that this disease is preventable, and
that we can lessen its impact through treatment. People with HIV can
live healthy lives and be effective leaders in prevention and care.
Many are doing so around the world with low-cost, high quality
anti-retroviral medications produced here in India,” said Deikun at a
seminar on AIDS awareness here on Friday.

“The successes achieved through the strong leadership of such
individuals, organisations and governments as well as partnerships,
such as that between the United States and India in fighting HIV/AIDS,
demonstrate that our actions do make a difference," he added.

A participant at the musical show which was part of the seminar said
it was high time efforts were made to end the social stigma attached to
HIV/AIDS.

"The main purpose of this song is to give hope to AIDS patients.
Letting them know that today is not the end for them," said Lalngailien
Joute.

Lack of awareness and widespread stigma and discrimination have
contributed to paranoia about the virus in India, where HIV patients
are meted out rude treatment and are looked down upon.

AIDS has acquired the status of endemic in India -- where more than
2.5 million people are thought to be living with HIV/AIDS -- and
putting millions more lives at risk.

According to the latest UN figures on AIDS, the global prevalence of
HIV/AIDS has leveled off in part due to effective HIV programs.

Still, in 2007 there are 33.2 million people infected with the human
immunodeficiency virus-- about 30.8 million adults and 2.5 million
children.

Latest figures show that 2.5 million people became newly infected
and 2.1 million people will die of AIDS related causes in 2007. (ANI)