Youth join hands for HIV awareness at Visakhapatnam Red Run
The event aimed to create awareness among youth about HIV/AIDS prevention and discourage drug use, following the directives of the Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) and the Visakhapatnam district collector.
The programme was organised in coordination with the district sports department, with participation from students of various colleges. Dr Jagadiswara Rao, district medical and health officer, flagged off the Marathon Red Run, formally inaugurating the event.
Other dignitaries present included Dr Ramesh, District Leprosy, AIDS and TB officer; Venkateswara Rao, district sports officer; Umamaheswara Rao, cluster programme manager; Badri, district supervisor; and Krishna. Staff from AIDS control agencies and various voluntary organisations also participated in the event.
The 5K Red Run was a grand success, promoting awareness of HIV/AIDS and substance abuse while encouraging healthy lifestyles among the youth. The award ceremony was held in a grand manner. Officials congratulated the winners of the Red Run and presented them with cash prizes of Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
7 hours ago
- The Hindu
Puducherry Pollution Control Committee issues closure order to unit for violation of norms
The Puducherry Pollution Control Committee (PPCC) has issued closure order against Life Line Pharma, an orange category industry, for violation of pollution control norms and regulations. Member Secretary of PPCC N. Ramesh issued the closure orders following an inspection by a team. The inspection revealed that the small-scale unit, located and operating at Iyyanar Koil Road, Mettupalayam, was operating without valid Air and Water Consent orders, a violation under Sections 21 and 22 of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and under Sections 25 and 26 of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The unit was permitted to manufacture pharmaceutical products — 10 lakh tablets and 5 lakh capsules per annum. The PPCC had issued a show cause notice to the unit on July 23 for violation of norms. Though the unit had replied stating that it would relocate the factory to the Mettupalayam industrial estate by December 2025, it was observed that the continued operation of the unit resulted in environmental damage due to discharge of untreated wastewater into the underground sewer system, Mr. Ramesh said. The PPCC directed the unit to close down all operations with immediate effect. The power connection to the unit was also disconnected forthwith.
Hindustan Times
14 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
World Organ Donation Day 2025: Can you donate eyes with poor vision? Ophthalmologist debunks 9 eye donation myths
World Organ Donation Day is a poignant reminder of the profound impact that organ donors have on the lives of people worldwide. Eye donation, in particular, is a meaningful act that can restore sight to individuals with corneal blindness. Despite its life-changing potential, various myths and misconceptions still prevail, creating fear and hesitation among potential donors. Let's explore and debunk these myths with the help of an expert to clarify the truth about eye donation and highlight its significance. World Organ Donation Day is observed on August 13 every year.(Adobe Stock) What is the importance of eye donation? Eye donation offers individuals with corneal disease the opportunity to regain their sight. With millions of people worldwide living in darkness due to corneal blindness, the need for donations is critical. Every year, thousands pledge their eyes, bringing hope to countless families. Despite this, myths surrounding eye donation often discourage people from considering it, says Dr Aditi Singh, Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, tells Health Shots. Eye donation myths and facts Myth 1: Only young, healthy people can donate This prevalent myth couldn't be further from the truth. While overall health is important, many medical conditions do not necessarily disqualify a person from donating their eyes. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or certain cancers often do not affect corneal suitability. Medical teams focus on specific infectious diseases or conditions that would impact transplant safety. It's important to note that individuals diagnosed with or who have passed away from conditions like AIDS, Hepatitis B or C, rabies, septicaemia, acute leukaemia, tetanus, cholera, meningitis, or encephalitis cannot donate their eyes. However, most people—regardless of health status—can still make eye donation possible. Myth 2: You must donate while alive Contrary to popular belief, eye donation occurs after death. You can pledge your eyes at any time, but actual retrieval can only happen after passing, typically within 4 to 6 hours post death. This enables eye banks to collaborate with hospitals or funeral homes to collect the tissue needed for transplantation. Pledging your eyes ensures that your wishes are respected when the time comes, even if you are unable to donate while alive. Myth 3: Poor vision disqualifies you Some believe that having poor vision automatically disqualifies them from donating, which is a common misperception. In reality, wearing glasses, having cataracts, or living with glaucoma does not exclude you from donating. Eye banks assess each cornea on an individual basis. Interestingly, over 90% of corneal blindness cases can be treated with donated corneas, regardless of the donor's vision history or refractive errors. Myth 4: Older donors aren't useful Another misconception is that age limits eye donation. The truth is that corneal tissue from donors in their seventies or even eighties can be successfully transplanted. What truly matters is the health of the cornea at the time of donation, not the donor's age. Many elderly donors have restored sight for younger recipients, affirming that vision truly knows no age limits. Myth 5: Eye donation disfigures the face Fear of disfigurement deters many from pledging their eyes. However, the eye retrieval process is minimally invasive. Compassionate care and respect are the guiding principles throughout each step, ensuring families can bid farewell with dignity. Understanding that the procedure is performed with care can help alleviate concerns about appearance. Myth 6: The donation procedure takes too long and delays funeral arrangements Some believe that the eye donation process will prolong funeral arrangements. The cornea removal procedure is quick and usually takes less than an hour. It is performed respectfully and does not significantly delay funeral plans. Funeral arrangements can often proceed as scheduled, with the procedure completed within hours of death. Myth 7: There's no shortage—my donation won't matter Another myth is the belief that your donation won't make a difference. In India alone, there are over 12 million blind people, with 4 million suffering from corneal blindness that is treatable through transplantation. Approximately 1.1 million individuals are currently awaiting corneal transplants, with around 25,000 new cases reported annually. Every donation is invaluable, as one donor can restore vision for two to four recipients. Each pledge contributes to a meaningful cause, adding necessary supplies and hope to families in need. Myth 8: The entire eye is used for transplantation A common misconception is that the whole eye is used for transplanting. In reality, only the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped tissue at the front of the eye—is utilised for transplantation. The cornea plays an important role in allowing light to enter and form images. After retrieval, the cornea is carefully preserved, and the rest of the eye remains intact. Myth 9: Human eyes can be bought or sold It is important to address the myth surrounding the sale of human eyes.
Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Indian Express
CM Manik Saha warns students about HIV, substance abuse; says Tripura saw 103% rise in drug seizures in 2023-24
Expressing concern about drug abuse and the spread of HIV in the Northeast, including Tripura, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha Tuesday said the state witnessed a steep rise of 103 per cent in drug seizures, while the destruction of seized drugs also saw an increase of 130 per cent in 2023-24. Speaking about HIV at a state-level programme titled 'Bell of Awareness' at Pragna Bhawan in Agartala on the occasion of International Youth Day, Saha said, 'At present, Tripura ranks fourth in the (Northeast) region.' Currently, the state government provides a monthly pension of Rs 2,000 to 3,433 HIV-positive individuals. Warning students about how drug addiction does not happen overnight but gradually, he said, 'You (students) must be cautious when it comes to drugs. Parents should pay special attention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-ji and Union Home Minister Amit Shah-ji laid emphasis on building a nashamukt Bharat (drug-free India). Our government is also following a zero-tolerance policy on drugs to make Tripura nashamukt.' 'But it is not possible only with the efforts of the state government or any department. In this case, all sections of society are required to come forward to combat HIV/AIDS,' the chief minister said while urging to expand the activities of Red Ribbon Clubs in schools and colleges to combat the infection. At least 6,000 students from across the state attended the event. Saha said the state government is also thinking about spreading awareness in schools about HIV/AIDS and the dangers of drug abuse by incorporating it in the curriculum. According to the Health and Family Welfare department, Tripura reported having 1,845 people with HIV during the 2022-23 period, 1,790 people in 2023-24, and 1,185 in 2024-25 (till January this year). In January this year, Saha said that according to the National AIDS Control Organisation's (NACO) estimation report of 2023, Tripura saw 1.12 AIDS-related deaths for every 1 lakh unaffected people in 2021 – a figure that reduced to 0.99 in 2022 but again rose to 1.08 in 2023. Initiatives adopted by the state government to increase awareness about HIV include district-level sensitisation programmes involving the principals of 220 schools where drug abuse through injections was identified, an integrated health campaign in West Tripura district to identify cases of HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, syphilis in vulnerable groups, and using LED screens at 21 locations across Tripura to display messages related to HIV/AIDS and drug abuse through injections as part of a mass awareness campaign in January this year.
