South stars Suriya and Anushka Shetty to talk AIDS with children

Actress Anushka Shetty and her Singam co-star Suriya have collaborated with TeachAIDS campaign, which aims to spread awareness about the disease among children. She says she wishes to follow the cause closely.

'I'm not much into social service and have never been associated with any programme,' Anushka told IANS.

'One of the reasons I didn't get associated with any programme (yet is) because I usually don't follow it, but I wish to follow the AIDS awareness initiative religiously,' Anushka told IANS.

Actors Shruti Haasan and Siddharth are also a part of the campaign.

Anushka along with other actors have featured in an animated awareness video on AIDS, which was unveiled recently.

'I belong to a very conservative family like majority of others in this country and I know how we react to AIDS and sex education. We even consider talking about it a taboo not just in schools, but even in colleges. I'm sure programmes like these will create more awareness,' said Anushka, who initially distanced herself from people afflicted with HIV.

'I was associated with two groups with AIDS many years ago and once when they offered me food, I refused to eat it because I felt uncomfortable and didn't have the awareness that it's safe to dine with them. Today, I don't feel the same because I have the knowledge,' she added.

Anushka is currently busy shooting for Telugu films Rudhramadevi and Baahubali. (Read: Meet Sharon Stone the HIV/AIDS activist!)

What is HIV?

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that destroys or impairs the function of the body's immune system making the person more susceptible to infections. Unless treated, it develops into full-blown acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The virus infects humans when it comes in contact with tissues lining the vagina, anal area, mouth and eyes, or through a break in the skin. There are two main types HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-2 is typically found in Africa and parts of Asia. HIV-2 is typically found in Africa and parts of Asia. Asia can thus no longer be considered free of HIV-2, and testing for HIV-2 appears mandatory, at least in India. Worldwide, when people refer to HIV they are usually referring to HIV-1.

What is AIDS?

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) isn't a disease in itself. It is a condition in caused by HIV in which the body's immune system fails to battle foreign microorganisms. This leads to various opportunistic infections and/or certain cancers. It is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. (Read more: HIV/AIDS causes, symptoms and complications)

With inputs from IANS

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