CCFF observes World AIDS Day in Kalimpong

PRADIP LOHAGUN

KALIMPONG

1 Dec 2013

The Cluny-Glen Family Foundation of Kalimpong today observed World AIDS Day by organising an awareness programme at its centre in 8th Mile. The main attraction of the event was an AIDS awareness skit by CGFF members and Kalimpong College students. Present at the occasion were CGFF Nepal and India head Sister Anna, Gorkha Dukha Niwarak Sammelan president Uday Kumai, secretary RL Trikhatri, Cluny Sisters, students as well as a few AIDS patients. 

Kalimpong’s Cluny sisters have not only taken care of HIV infected patients of the region but also worked commendably in spreading awareness about creating an AIDS free society. The 8th Mile-based CCGF HIV Care and Support Centre is a premier organisation that provides new life to people suffering from AIDS. The organisation was established in 2007 and runs independently. AIDS patients from various places in the hills, Sikkim, the Dooars and even Nepal have found refuge in the centre and are leading their lives under the love and care of the Cluny sisters.

The sisters and guests lit 62 candles in memory of AIDS patients who had lived and died at the centre. AIDS victims are often neglected by society and perceived as threats, and it is only recently that people have started accepting AIDS victims as part of society due to various awareness initiatives by NGOs and other organisations, noted Sister Rachel Chettri.

Around 80 per cent of AIDS cases in the hills spread through unprotected sex, 15 per cent of patients get infected due to use of unsterilised injections, while 5 per cent of cases are passed on from infected mothers to children. Although there is no total cure for this deadly disease, it can be controlled to some extent with standard medication to allow patients to lead normal lives.