Bhubaneswar: Odisha observed World AIDS Day Monday with a public awareness rally here, alongside various programmes across the state aimed at educating citizens and curbing the disease.
Speaking on the occasion, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling urged everyone to promote awareness.
“To control this disease, it is essential to create maximum public awareness and ensure that affected patients receive necessary treatment without discrimination or stigma,” he said.
The rally was held from the Capital Hospital to the Sishu Bhawan Square.
The rally was attended by dignitaries, including Kotpad MLA Rupu Bhatra, Malkangiri MLA Narsingh Madkami, Nabarangpur MLA Gauri Shankar Majhi, Kantabanji MLA Lakshan Bag, departmental secretaries, Neelkanth Mishra, and officials from the Health Department and OSACS, along with youth, students, and community members.