Each NGO has its own way of trying to spread awareness. So we're actually confusing a lot of people.

Karuna Roy Aids Campaigner

There is a sense of despondency among the various groups spearheading the fight against the illness in India.

The latest figures released by the National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) - show that four million people are infected.

No co-ordination

Campaigners such as Karuna Roy say that there is still a great deal of fear and ignorance surrounding the virus, plus a lack of co-ordination among the various groups set up to fight the spread of Aids.

The HIV Aids epidemic is the most serious health problem in India

"Well, I think a lot is being done. But the only problem with us is that each NGO has its own way of trying to spread awareness.

"So we're actually confusing a lot of people. If we had the same strategies - the same ways of communicating - I think that would help the problem more."

According to NACO, the HIV Aids epidemic is the most serious public health problem in India.

The illness they say is now commonplace in urban and rural areas.

Advanced state

The spread of Aids is advanced by low awareness and literacy levels, combined with large migrations of labour.

The figures released by NACO show that Aids is spreading throughout India.

The organisation says that the virus is in an advanced stage in the states of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Manipur.

The emphasis now, the organisation says, must be on a concerted AIDS prevention and control campaign across the country which is supported by everyone - including the government.