ASACS observes World AIDS Day over the theme 'equalize' across Assam

GUWAHATI: 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 padayatra which saw the participation of various colleges, educational institutions, NGOs and other stakeholders. The padayatra was flagged off by Elvis Ali Hazarika, a swimmer of international repute.

Welcoming the gathering at the GMCH auditorium, the Project Director, of Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS), Pomi Baruah, said, "The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) is now in its 5th phase and in this current phase more emphasis is given to HIV prevention. We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that people are aware of HIV and refrain from indulging in high-risk behaviour. We are doing all kinds of awareness activities using different media 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 which are working across the state with high-risk groups.

Stressing the theme of EQUALIZE, Pomi Baruah further said that the time has come to address the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV.

Addressing the occasion as chief guest, Minister for Health and Family Welfare Keshab Mahanta said, "We all need to be aware ourselves on HIV prevention. I am happy that ASACS has taken so many initiatives for the dissemination of HIV messages amongst various strata of society. But sometimes we need to question whether what we are doing for HIV awareness is 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 OPD-OST (Opioid Substitution Therapy) Dispensing Centres at as many district hospitals across Assam. They include TRB Civil Hospital, Kamrup; SMK 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 and Goalpara Civil Hospital.

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 society."

She further stated that people living with HIV should not stop taking ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy) medicines.

Noted singer Nahid Afrin 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.

Director of Medical Education Dr Anup Barman and Inspector General of Prisons Barnali Sarma also spoke on the occasion, a press release said.

As per NACO HIV Estimation Report 2021, Assam has an estimated 25,073 people living with HIV (PLHIV). Out of this total number, 45 per cent of PLHIVs are female and children living with HIV are 3 per cent. The 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.

As far as the HIV prevalence in districts is concerned, Kamrup (M) has the maximum number of cases (7610), followed by Cachar district (5200), Nagaon (1602) district and Dibrugarh (1402).

Regarding the route of transmission in Assam, 81.63 per cent is through heterosexual, 5.54 per cent is through HIV-infected syringes and needles, parent to child is 4.76 per cent, homosexual route is 4.61 per cent 0.85 per cent through blood and blood products and 2.61 is not specified.

Also Read:  Assam has 19,545 HIV positive cases, highest number in Kamrup (M): ASACS

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