Launch of Intensified IEC Campaign
Rongili Barta- In order to enhance the knowledge levels of general population especially the youth and equip the masses with information about HIV & sexually transmitted infections, across the state, Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS) launched a two-month Intensified IEC Campaign on August 12, 2024 on International Youth Day at Sri Sri Madhavadeva International Auditorium at Kalakshetra Guwahati.
The Campaign was launched by Shri Keshab Mahanta, Hon’ble Minister of Transport, Excise etc. in presence of Dr P Ashok Babu, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Govt of Assam, Dr Indranoshee Das, Project Director, Assam State AIDS Control Society, Zublee Baruah, Youth Icon and a host of other dignitaries and college students from different colleges of Guwahati.
Following the launching of the campaign, Shri Keshab Mahanta, Minister of Minister of Transport, Excise etc. said, “In the recent years the HIV prevalence in the state is on the rise and one of the prime routes of HIV transmission is through sharing of needles and syringes amongst partners while injecting drugs. We are conducting campaigns against drugs and on the other side, the drug peddlers are supplying drugs to the drug users, “ adding , “ a vigorous campaign like Intensified IEC Campaign is required to make people aware against HIV and drugs.” He further stated that life style of the youth needs to be changed.
Speaking on the occasion as a celebrity icon Zublee Baruah said, “ When I was young I just knew that I need to sing. We did not know about HIV and drugs,” adding, “ after Covid it is seen that some youth, may be because of stress and frustrations in life, have chosen a different path which may lead to ruin and destruction,.” Exhorting the young generation she urged the gathering comprising of college students to be the change. “Your life is extremely precious. Don’t ruin your life. Create a chain and start talking about HIV. You are the future of the society, “ she said.
Dr P Ashok Babu, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, while speaking on the occasion said, “ Youth due to stress and frustrations should not indulge in high risk behaviours like injecting drugs. Failures and success are part of one’s life. One should always believe in oneself and keep trying again and again.
Dr Indranoshee Das, ACS, Project Director, Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS), while welcoming the gathering and stating the objective of the campaign, said, “ We are taking the HIV awareness to the roots and through this campaign we aim to cover 1000 villages across in 10 districts of Assam where the awareness meetings will be held in villages apart awareness activities in educational institutions and dissemination of HIV messages through various mediums of communication.”
Red Ribbon Clubs of 5 educational institutions who have participated in the launching ceremony were felicitated during event for carrying out various HIV campaigns in their institutions.
The Intensified IEC Campaign campaign was launched simultaneously in 10 high prevalent districts across Assam namely – Kamrup (M), Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Tinsukia, Jorhat, Karbi Anglong, Cachar and Karimganj with a flurry of activities.