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Friday, December 27, 2024

Assam marks World AIDS Day

ASACS leads state-level observance in Nagaon, while districts and organisations rally to educate communities on HIV prevention & rights

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HT Bureau

GUWAHATI, Dec 1: Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS), in collaboration with the district administration, Nagaon, organised the state-level World AIDS Day on Sunday, at Nehrubali Playground in Nagaon with a flurry of activities. 

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The theme of World AIDS Day 2024 was ‘Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!’ The theme highlights the importance of upholding human rights and fostering the inclusion of all communities, through which the world can end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. 

The day began with a foot rally comprising college students, ASHAs, representatives of TI NGOs, and other stakeholders (with miking in IEC vans and muppets). The rally was flagged off at Nehrubali Playground, Nagaon, by the district commissioner, Nagaon, Narendra Kr Shah, IAS, in the presence of the project director of Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS), Dr Indranoshee Das, ACS, and other district-level and state-level officials. 

This was followed by a public meeting at Nehrubali Playground, Nagaon, where Keshab Mahanta, minister for Transport, IT, etc., was the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said, “Your health is your right, and sometimes we knowingly make mistakes by indulging in high-risk behaviours like unprotected sex and sharing needles and syringes while taking drugs as injecting drug users, which may lead to HIV.” Thus, the minister appealed to the gathering, which comprised mainly college students, to refrain from all kinds of high-risk behaviours and inculcate healthy lifestyles. 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr P Ashok Babu, IAS, commissioner and secretary to the government of Assam, Health & Family Welfare Department, said, “There was a time when the main route of HIV transmission in the state was through unprotected sex, but now the main route of HIV transmission is through sharing needles and syringes by injecting drug users.” “Out of the total HIV-detected cases, more than 60 percent are injecting drug users, and that is why there are Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) Centres in a few hospitals across Assam where injecting drug users are rehabilitated by offering legally prescribed drugs orally,” he said. 

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Speaking on the significance of World AIDS Day, project director of Assam State AIDS Control Society, Dr Indranoshee Das, ACS, in her speech, said that World AIDS Day gives an opportunity to people around the globe to unite in the fight against HIV and to commemorate those who have died due to AIDS-related illnesses. “In order to combat the HIV menace, Assam State AIDS Control Society, in the last couple of years, has taken up various kinds of campaigns like Integrated Health Campaigns in HIV-vulnerable districts, campaigns in prisons and detention centres, and Intensified IEC Campaigns in 10 HIV high-prevalence districts of Assam.” 

The 10 districts that successfully conducted the 60-day Intensified IEC Campaign during August-October 2024 were felicitated during the event. 

The public meeting was followed by cultural programmes, including mime shows, street plays, flash mobs, etc. A blood donation camp was also organised at the venue. 

Apart from the state-level event, World AIDS Day was also observed in all districts of Assam with public meetings, rallies, etc. World AIDS Day was also conducted in colleges across the state.

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Our Hojai Correspondent adds: SOS Children’s Village Hojai’s Family Strengthening Program (FSP) observed ‘World AIDS Day’ with a series of awareness-raising events across its FS Clusters, including Dhanuhar Basti, Hira Basti, Milik Basti, and Hawaipur, on Sunday. 

Assam marks World AIDS Day

The program aimed to educate the community, especially children and youth, about HIV/AIDS, its transmission, and preventive measures. 

A key feature of the day was a mass rally organised by the Bal Panchayat children and community members. Participants carried placards bearing informative messages and slogans designed to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS. Additionally, a street play was performed by SRISTI, a social action cultural group from Guwahati, focusing on HIV prevention. 

The event also highlighted important resources available for HIV/AIDS care and support, such as Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs), Red Ribbon Clinics, free medications, transportation assistance, and access to social security schemes for people living with HIV (PLWHIV). Attendees were also informed about the toll-free helpline 1097 for further guidance. 

The program was coordinated by the animators and tutors of the FS Clusters, with oversight from Chitta Ranjan Mohanty, assistant director, and Niranjan Das, senior co-worker of SOS Children’s Village Hojai. Through this initiative, SOS CV Hojai demonstrated its commitment to empowering the community with essential knowledge and resources to protect themselves and others from HIV/AIDS, fostering a safe and informed environment for all.

Our Gossaigaon Correspondent adds: The 31st Battalion of Sashastra Seema Bal, stationed at Telipara in Gossaigaon, on Sunday observed World AIDS Day on its premises. Dr S Haldar, CMO SG, 6th BN SSB, Ranighuli, delivered an enlightening awareness speech on HIV/AIDS. The session aimed to educate the SSB personnel about the prevention, treatment, and social implications of HIV/AIDS, emphasising the importance of awareness and empathy in combating the stigma associated with the disease. 

Assam marks World AIDS Day

In addition, a significant Swachhata Abhiyan event was organised at the 31st BN SSB, Gossaigaon, under the Swachhata Pakhwada initiative, directed by Sh Dighade S R, deputy commandant. The event witnessed the participation of all personnel present at the BN Headquarters, who collectively took a pledge to uphold cleanliness and hygiene standards in the surrounding society. 

The dual focus on cleanliness and health highlights the commitment of the SSB to the well-being and development of its personnel and the communities they serve. The event was a testament to their collective effort and dedication towards a healthier, cleaner, and more informed society. 

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