ASACS observes World AIDS Day, 2022

Pc Hindustan Times

ASACS observes World AIDS Day, 2022

Rongili barta-  Along with the rest of the world, Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS) observed World AIDS Day on December 1, 2022 throughout the state with a flurry of activities. The theme of the year is EQUALIZE. The state-level event was held at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) auditorium beginning with a foot rally which saw the participation of from various colleges, educational institutions, NGOs and other stake holders. The foot rally was flagged off by Elvis Ali Hazarika, a swimmer of international repute. Welcoming the gathering at the GMCH auditorium, Project Director, Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS), Pomi Baruah, ACS, said, “The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) is now in its 5 th Phase and in this current phase more emphasis is given to HIV prevention and we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that people are aware about HIV and refrain from indulging in high risk behaviour. We are doing all kinds of awareness activities using different mediums communications including mass media, outdoor media, folk media and social media. Even for awareness amongst the students of the colleges, there are Red Ribbon Clubs in colleges where various awareness campaigns on HIV and blood donation are being carried out.” She also stated that at present there are 52 Targeted Intervention NGOs where are working across the state with the high risk groups. Stressing on the theme EQUALIZE, Pomi Baruah further said that time has come to address the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV. Addressing the occasion as Chief Guest, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Assam , Shri Keshab Mahanta said, while lauding the pivotal role played by ASACS in HIV prevention and treatment, said, “We all need to aware ourselves on HIV prevention and I am happy that ASACS has taken so many initiatives for dissemination of HIV messages amongst various strata of the society. But sometimes we need to question ourselves whether what we are doing for HIV awareness is really enough. People normally follow their gurus and sometimes their favourite celebrities and youth icons. Instead of us telling the people not to indulge in high risk behaviours, if a celebrity or popular icons talk about HIV awareness more and more people will follow.” The Minister also centrally launched 10 nos of OPD-OST(Opioid Substitution Therapy) Dispensing Centres at 10 nos of district hospitals across Assam. They include, T.R.B Civil Hospital, Kamrup, S.M.K Civil Hospital, Nalbari, Morigaon Civil Hospital, Dhemaji Civil Hospital, LGB Tinsukia Civil Hospital, Sivasagar Civil Hospital, Dhubri Civil Hospital, SK Roy Civil Hospital , Hailakandi, Karimganj Civil Hospital, Goalpara Civil Hospital. Two books titled Jigyasa…To know about HIV/AIDS and A Handbook on Blood Centre Practices in Assam were released by the Minister. President of Assam Network of Positive People, Jahnabi Goswami said, “The theme of this World AIDS Day states that we should all think that we are equal and only then the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV can be eradicated from the society.” She further stated that people living with HIV should not stop taking ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy) medicines. Noted singer Nahid Afrin in her speech said that today’s youth are aware enough about HIV but only awareness is not enough. They should ensure that they don’t indulge in high risk behaviours which may lead to acquiring HIV. She also enthralled the gathering by singing Bhupen da song Manuhe Manuhor Babe. Director of Medical Education, Dr Anup Barman and Inspector General of Prisons,Assam, Barnali Sarma also spoke on the occasion. Many organizations and individuals were awarded for their valuable contribution to the HIV programme. A voluntary blood donation camp was also organized at the venue World AIDS Day was observed in all districts across Assam with rallies, public meetings and various other activities. In order create HIV awareness amongst the masses, ASACS has undertaken various activities by disseminating HIV messages in mass media (print and electronic),outdoor media (hoardings, bus panelling, train panelling), folk media (natika, ojapali), social media (face book, twitter, instagram), piggyback activities during raas and durga puja festivals, events and HIV awareness in colleges through Red Ribbon Clubs and schools through Adolescence Education Programme. As per NACO HIV Estimation Report 2021, Assam has an estimate of 25,073 nos of  people living with HIV (PLHIV). Out of this total number, 45 per cent of PLHIVs are female and children living with HIV is 3 per cent. Total number of people alive by taking Anti- retroviral therapy (ART) is 10765. The HIV prevalence rate in India is 0.21 and the HIV prevalence rate in Assam is 0.09 per cent which is lower than the national and the national prevalence rate is 0.21 per cent. As far as the HIV prevalence in districts are concerned, Kamrup (M) has the maximum number cases (7610), followed Cachar district (5200), Nagaon (1602) district and Dibrugarh (1402). Regarding route of transmission in Assam, 81.63 per cent is through heterosexual , 5.54 per cent is through HIV-infected syringe and needles, parent to child is 4.76 per cent, through homosexual route is 4.61 per cent 0.85 per cent through blood and blood products and 2.61 is not specified.