CM to launch State-Level Intensive HIV and AIDS Awareness campaign on International Youth Day

Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, M. Sudha Devi today here informed that on the occasion of International Youth Day (12th August, 2024) Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu would inaugurate the state-level Intensive HIV and AIDS Awareness and Integrated Health Checkup Campaign (IHC) programme, organized by the Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society from Shimla.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil would preside over the programme. Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sanjay Awasthy and MLA Harish Janartha would also grace the event as special guests, said the Secretary.

M. Sudha Devi said the two-month-long campaign, starting from August 12th August to 12th October 2024 aims to intensify efforts towards the prevention and awareness of HIV, AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases across the state. Various activities would be conducted at the state, district and rural levels to ensure widespread participation and impact.

The Secretary further elaborated that awareness initiatives would be driven through General House sessions in Gram Sabhas, with counselors, ASHA workers and folk media playing a crucial role in educating the community. Additionally, awareness chariots equipped with audio and video messages related to HIV, AIDS and STDs would be launched to disseminate vital information.

Project Director of the Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, Rajeev Kumar, emphasized the importance of focusing on youth as they were the future of the country. He said that special Red Ribbon Club activities would be organized in universities, colleges and other educational institutions, aiming to provide young people with accurate information about HIV and AIDS.

He said that apart from conducting special sessions led by expert speakers in colleges, prayer meetings would also be organized in government senior secondary schools to promote awareness. Furthermore, to mark International Youth Day, free testing for HIV, STI, Hepatitis, TB and other diseases would be available as part of the integrated health checkup campaign, ensuring accessible healthcare services for all.