KARACHI, Dec 1: A walk was organized on Monday morning to mark the World AIDS Day. About 500 people, including health professionals, representatives of 30-odd non-governmental organizations and students took part in the event.

The walk that was organized by the Sindh AIDS Control Programme was led by Noman Saigal, adviser to the chief minister on health. The walkers vowed to adopt a healthy lifestyle with emphasis on upholding morality, promoting voluntary blood donation and abstaining from smoking, often described as a contributory factor towards drug addiction.

The walk that commenced from the Liaquat National Library at 9.15am ended at around 11.30am in front of the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam, where a simple ceremony was organized. Several speeches were made on the occasion in which this year’s theme, “Live and Let Live”, was discussed in detail.

Speaking on the occasion, Noman Saigal said the authorities were determined to stop AIDS from creating havoc in society. He said that the health department, in collaboration with the law and interior departments, would take worthwhile steps against drug addiction and transfusion of unsafe blood.

Taking note of the widespread transfusion of unsafe blood, Mr Saigal claimed that no blood bank would be allowed to sell unscreened blood. All the relevant laws would be implemented in this regard, he added.

Sindh AIDS Control Programme chief Dr Sharaf Ali Shah said that every person living with AIDS or HIV was entitled to healthcare as well as employment opportunities. He was of the view that the rights of the HIV positive people should not be violated under any circumstances.

Some representatives of the NGOs active in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention also spoke on the occasion. A quiz competition was also held. The winners were given attractive prizes.

A well-known singer Hassan Jahangir presented a special song on the occasion.

Earlier, a candle-light vigil was held at the Services # Hospital on Sunday night to mark the eve of the World AIDS Day in which a number of NGOs participated.