Stop AIDS. Keep the promise.

December 1st is World AIDS Day and is recognized around the world as a day to renew hope, commemorate those lost and celebrate progress. The theme of World AIDS Day 2005 is 'Stop AIDS. Keep the promise.'. In his message on World AIDS Day, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has said, 'In the course of past decade, the world has made considerable progress in the fight against AIDS. It has also made considerable promises. The time has come to keep them. And I believe we can".

The National AIDS Control Organization NACO envisions an India in which every person living with HIV is trated with DIGNITY and has access to quality CARE. Among its activities, NACO has built up a Network of Positive People. The objectives of the same are :

• To facilitate and improve access to treatment for people living with HIV
• To provide access to information to people living with HIV
• To promote and protect the human rights of people living with HIV
• To promote involvement of people living with HIV in all levels of decision making
• To promote social acceptance of people living with HIV and to end stigma and discrimination
• To provide opportunities for networking for people living with HIV

AIDS is an epidemic of large proportions. Each one of us has to be aware of the enormity of this problem and do our little bit not only to Stop AIDS but also not discriminate those who are affected by this terminal disease. Let make a promise today to 'STOP AIDS', and 'KEEP THE PROMISE'.