Centre will bring a law against discrimination towards AIDS patients soon. This was announced by the Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad while addressing a function to mark the world AIDS day today.

He said government will provide full financial assistance to NGOs for spreading awareness among the people about negative aspects of AIDS.

Mr. Azad asserted that the focus of the government is on complete elimination of AIDS from the country. He added that the funding by International donors has reduced due to global economic crisis but funds will not be a constraint to eradicate the menace of AIDS.

Mr. Azad said the number of AIDS patients has reduced by 50 percent in the country.

Speaking on the occasion Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dixit announced monthly cash assistance of between 1600 to 2000 rupees for children suffering from AIDS. She added for adults the assistance will be 1000 rupees. Mrs. Dixit stressed the need to fight against discrimination against AIDS patients.

AIR correspondent reports that many cultural events, debates, discussions and other programmes are being organized across the capital to raise awareness of AIDS pandemic caused by the HIV infection.