Thiruvananthapuram, March 13, 2007 - The Kerala AIDS Control Society has decided to launch a visual media campaign featuring actor Mohanlal to spread awareness about the disease.

State Health Minister P K Sreemathi launched the campaign in Mohanlal's presence at a function here today.

"As per a latest study, there are about one lakh HIV cases in the state," Society Project Officer Rajan N Khobaragade said.

"The campaign titled 'stigma and discrimination persons found to be HIV positive face,' aims at creating an awareness in society about aids. The main hurdle for prevention of the disease was the stigma and discrimination associated with it," he said.

Mohanlal would be the 'goodwill ambassador' of society, he said.

Mohanlal said he was happy to be part of a social cause, as per zeenews.

The society should change its attitude towards AIDS patients. The government was taking steps to extend all assistance to HIV affected persons and check the spread of the disease, Sreemathi said.