Minister calls for more HIV awareness programmes

KOCHI: Excise Minister K Babu has called for more awareness programmes on HIV/AIDS in the state to remove the stigma related to the disease.This will help end the discrimination towards the HIV-hit, he said on Monday, while  inaugurating the education scholarship programme for 40 HIV-affected children.The Minister lauded the social development activities taken up by Rajagiri Outreach and Rajagiri College.The scholarship was sponsored by Switzerland-based organisation of Malayalis ‘Be Friends’ in association with Rajagiri Outreach.Rajagiri College director Dr Fr Antony Kariyil presided over the programme. The cheque containing the financial help from ‘Be Friends’ for the current year was handed over to the Minister.Rajagiri College manager and Kalamassery Rajagiri Provincial Fr Jose Alex distributed 750 bags, sponsored by Kitex Group, to the students of anganwadi in Kalamassery municipality.College principal Joseph I Injody, Rajagiri Outreach project director M P Antony, Rajagiri College Social Works Department chief T O Poulse, Kalamassery municipality development standing committee chairman A K Basheer, Kitex marketing manager Ajay Hormis, Be Friends secretary Prince, Rajagiri College dean and administrator Dr Mary Venus, C P K Plus president Joseph Mathew spoke.