Bhubaneswar, Dec. 1 -- To mark World AIDS Day, the Odisha State AIDS Control Society organised an awareness rally in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. According to government data, 2,462 HIV-positive cases were detected in the state till October this year.

The rally was held on the premises of Capital Hospital and was flagged off by Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, who stressed the need to spread awareness and reduce the stigma associated with HIV.

As per reports, the state set a target to conduct 20 lakh HIV tests this year, 12 lakh among the general population and 8 lakh among pregnant women. Of these, 14 lakh tests have already been completed. Officials said such awareness activities help encourage testing and early detection.

Health Minister ...