Indian Red Cross, NHQ’S observed World AIDS Day on 1st December 2010 at its premises in the presence of IRCS officials, National Programme Officer NACO, and Delegates from the International Federation, ICRC and the Partner National Societies. Observance of World Aids Day was started on 1st December 1988 with the objective to promote awareness, fight prejudice and strongly condemn stigmatization. This years World AIDS Day theme was ‘Universal Access and Human Rights’.

Dr Raizada , Consultant IFRC presented authentic reports which stated that according to the UN AIDS estimates 2009 there are 33.3 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children .Dr B.B Rewari , National Programme Officer Naco opined that if Red Cross utilities services across the states would be useful in bringing people back to treatment or for HIV test . He emphasized that collaborative efforts with Red Cross to check the spread of the virus among migrant workers and IDU’S would make significant impact.Dr Rajeev Sadana, Senior Health Advisor, ICRC congratulated the consistent efforts of IRCS to promote non remunerative voluntary blood donation.
Dr Manoj Jain, Joint Secretary urged all to strengthen the spirit to fight against AIDS and collective strength has and will always remain indispensable for the successful accomplishment of any objective. He reiterated,” We can and we will make a difference”.

Dr Vanashree , Director Blood Bank, proudly informed to everybody present that Indian Red Cross is successfully running 127 banks across 14 states in the nation and in total Blood collection in the country approx10% is contributed by IRCS Blood Bank. She also added that Indian Red Cross Society is a pioneer in the field of Blood services and has successfully been operating one of the major Voluntary Blood Banks at National Headquarters' in the Country since 1962.NACO has designated Indian Red Cross (NHQ) Blood Bank as “Model Blood Bank” of the Delhi State which has ‘state of the art’ blood transfusion services and training facilities of the highest standards, as per National Guidelines. There was 85 percentage of voluntary blood collection in IRCS (NHQ) blood bank in the year 2010.

The day ended on a positive note infusing a renewed energy to sustain the momentum as well as stretch to reach newer heights.