Shah said non-government organisations and government agencies should join hands to ensure that the fast developing city does not fall prey to the disease that has assumed alarming proportions worldwide. The meeting decided to celebrate World AIDS Week, ending December 7.

Dr B B Pandya of the Old Civil Hospital said a rally would be taken out at 9 am from the Surat Railway station to flag off the week-long celebrations. The rallyists will shout slogans and carry banners to create awareness.

The rally will be followed by a workshop on the disease at P T Science college. Also, condoms will be distributed in the red light area of Surat. Among others, the meeting was attended by Additional Collector R J Patel, District Supply Officer K D Chandnani, representatives of non-government organisations and noted doctors.