Meghalaya & Arunachal Pradesh celebrate 'World AIDS Day'

OUR CORRESPONDENTS

SHILLONG/ITANAGAR: Joining people all over the globe, World AIDS Day was observed in Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh to show support for people living with and affected by HIV and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS. The theme of the observation was 'Global Solidarity and Shared Responsibility'.

The programme organized by the 'Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) in collaboration with the 'Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority' was held at U Soso Tham Auditorium in Shillong. Speaking as the Chief Guest, Sampath Kumar, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, informed that Meghalaya ranks fifth in the country in terms of prevalence of HIV cases and second in the highest number of syphilis cases among pregnant women. Therefore, concerted efforts are required in creating awareness on preventive measures to address these health issues.

Furthermore, he cited that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought into focus the importance of Healthcare and the need to strengthen the health system.

Praising the role of NACO and MACS for their continued fight to educate the masses on HIV and end stigmatization, he stressed on the importance of testing and adherence to treatment.

N. A. Khan, District and Sessions Judge and Member Secretary of the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority spoke at length above the legal framework available to protect the rights of those living with HIV/AIDS.

To mark the occasion, 'Freestyle for 15' -- an Instagram sports event contest -- and the theme song on HIV/AIDS, 'Stand Up', composed and arranged by renowned artist of the State, LamphangSyiemlieh were launched on the day. Prizes were also distributed to the winners of the 'Promote HIV Testing' contest.

Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first international day for global health. In spite of successes made, policy measures, financial resources and the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders is required to reach the goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS globally by 2030.

ARUNACHAL: In the State capital, the 'Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society' (APSACS) organized a programme to felicitate the winners of the short-film competition on HIV-AIDS to mark the day.

Director of Health Services Dr M. Lego attending the programme, ask the people to extend solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He also urged the people to come forward and share the responsibility of creating awareness about disease.

"The epidemic of HIV and COVID-19 has emerged as a global pandemic and pose a threat to public health all over the world," he said and added that the youth should add responsibly while facing pandemic like AIDS and coronovirus.

APSACS Project Director Dr Riken Rina while explaining the importance of the day said, "HIV is in existence for the last 40 years but till date there is no cure for the disease as the human race is yet to develop a vaccine."

"The only answer against HIV is your knowledge and awareness," he said and stressed on the importance of 'Abstinence', 'Be faithful to your partner' and 'Condom uses' to prevent and control HIV.

APSACS Deputy Director (IEC) Tashor Pali quoting UNAIDS said that the theme of the day this year, aimed at eliminating stigma and discrimination, putting people at the center and grounding people's responses in human rights and the gender responsive approaches, which are key to ending the colliding pandemic. The crisis has also been a wakeup call and opportunity to do things differently better and together. In many respects and defeat of AIDS as public health threat depends on how the world responds to COVID-19," he added.

A short film directed by Kadum Tarang titled 'I Slept With My Friend Unprotected' emerged as the winner of the short film competition. The film 'The Wild Fire' produced by M and A production become the first runners- up of the competition while 'The Anguish' produced by the Spark Film Production was adjudged the second runners-up.

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