HT Correspondent
JORHAT, Dec 1: On World AIDS Day, an awareness program on the prevention of HIV, AIDS, and the legal aspects for protecting and promoting the rights of individuals affected by HIV was organised by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Jorhat. The event took place in collaboration with Mariani Police Station, Deberapar Chariali Police Outpost, and Kushaltal Village Defence Organisation (VDO) at Kushaltal village.
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Presided over by the assistant secretary of Kushaltal VDO, Rajesh Murmu, the function had Devojyoti Bhuyan, secretary-cum-judicial officer of DLSA, as a key speaker. Bhuyan elaborated on the provisions of the HIV and AIDS (Prevention & Control) Act, 2017. He emphasised that the Act, being a central legislation, aims to protect and promote the rights of individuals affected by HIV, including healthcare providers. The law also addresses stigma and discrimination associated with infected persons and strives to create an environment conducive to accessing healthcare services for the victims. Bhuyan stressed the need for community involvement to eradicate the disease.
Kakoli Patgiri, Titabar sub divisional police officer, addressed the gathering and highlighted that drug abuse is a contributing factor to HIV infection. She urged VDO members and community workers to be vigilant in curbing drug abuse among the younger generations.
The program, attended by police personnel, VDO members, representatives of women and other community organisations, and local residents, aimed to spread awareness and encourage community involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
