A world record attempt at creating the biggest mosaic of condom packets, screening of couples for HIV/AIDS and mass awareness campaigns were among a raft of programmes organised by Hindustan Latex Family Planning Promotion Trust (HLFPPT), a non-profit organisation across six states as the week-long events related to World AIDS Day drew to a close with a clarion call for safe sex.

As a precursor to the events,HLFPPT promoted by central PSU HLL Lifecare Ltd, launched a unique effort to spread awareness among youth about HIV/AIDS and safe sex by facilitating a world record attempt for the biggest mosaic of condom packets at IIM Lucknow.

HLFPPT organised the event in association with Uttar Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (UPSACS), where students of the management school laid a carpet of 4,418 condom packets on a 10ft x 20ft grid to form the shape of a red ribbon against a blue background – the global symbol of solidarity with people living with HIV/AIDS. The aim was also to beat the existing record created in Hong Kong, where 685 condoms packets created a mosaic 9.6 ft x 3.4 ft wide.

The aerial camera-supervised exercise was monitored by the Guinness Book team in the presence of officials from UPSACS and UNICEF. The condom boxes used were of Rakshak and Deluxe Nirodh, which are made accessible to underserved areas and communities by HLFPPT through its social marketing programme for National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO). “HLFPPT’s support to NACO and its role in bringing down the HIV prevalence in the state of UP deserves praise,” UPSACS project director Alok Kumar said.

“The main objective behind these activities was to provide accurate information on HIV/AIDS and dispel myths and misconceptions through community involvement,” said Sharad Agarwal, CEO of HLFPPT.

Coinciding with World AIDS Day (Dec 1), HLFPPT participated in a programme hosted by NACO and Delhi State AIDS Control Society in coordination with Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, USAID and UNDP. It set up an exhibition stall where the visitors were counselled on HIV/AIDS.

In Madhya Pradesh, HLFPPT organised a string of activities like mass awareness rally, magic shows and road shows in all the regions of the state, including Bhopal, Satna, Sagar, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Indore and Chindwara. The events were held in collaboration with MP State AIDS Control Society (MPSACS). A novel feature of the events was distribution of T-shirts and caps with the word ‘Deluxe’ printed on them.

Similar awareness programmes were organised in all the 23 districts of Andhra Pradesh and Telengana in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) and the Technical Support Units (TSU).

In Telangana, Dr. T R Rajaiah, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Health, Medical and Family Welfare, flagged off an awareness rally from Nizam College grounds to Nampally Public Garden.  Rajaiah said Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Karnataka account for nearly half the HIV cases in India. However, the number of new HIV infections and related deaths has come down in the last few years.