Awareness programme on World AIDS Day observed in Dibrugarh district of Assam

 STAFF CORRESPONDENT

DIBRUGARH: On the occasion of World AIDS Day, the Voluntary Organisation of Dibrugarh Socio Educational Welfare Association (SEWA) organised an awareness programme in collaboration with the NSS unit of DHSK Commerce College and CINI in Dibrugarh. The programme was widely attended by members of different communities, including injecting drug users, LGBTQ people, and other high-risk groups.

Dr KM Bhagawati, Principal of DHSK Commerce College, emphasized the need for youth engagement in HIV/AIDS prevention programmes in his inaugural address. He also encouraged all community members to share and disseminate HIV/AIDS-related information and skills to stop HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Sourav Gogoi, Joint Director of Health Services of Dibrugarh, while speaking on the occasion about the government facilities provided under the HIV prevention strategy had appealed for more effective engagement of the IDU community in Opioid Substitution Therapy. Attending the programme, DLSA Secretary Abhijet Saikia spoke on the rights of PLHIV (People living with HIV) and discussed on the legislation to protect PLHIV rights and stop discrimination. He also discussed the need of inclusion of the third gender population in our society.

Dr. Ravi Baruah, District AIDS Control Officer, emphasized the importance of increasing awareness generation activities so that IDUs can utilize the free OST services provided at AMCH. Dr Pinky Poddar, Medical Office of OST Centre, spoke on the occasion about the OST programme and how it helps the drug user community to abstain from substance abuse. On behalf of recovering addicts Pranjal Pratim Dutta spoke about the mental health assistance that is necessary for recovering addicts to sustain a clean life, and how Dibrugarh district drug rehabilitation centres have played an important role in this challenging area.

Members of several communities performed cultural programmes during the event. In today’s programme CINI under MCGL India YASH, ICTC, PPTCT, OST Centre, National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) district unit, Special Cell for Women and Children district unit, Drug Rehab Centres of Dibrugarh district participated.

Also read:   Assam: World AIDS Day celebrated

Also Watch: