Nagaon : The Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS), in collaboration with the District Administration, Nagaon, organized the state-level World AIDS Day 2024 on December 1 at Nehrubali Playground, Nagaon. This year’s theme, “Take the rights path: My health, my right!”, highlighted the importance of human rights and inclusion in ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
The event commenced with a foot rally involving college students, ASHAs, representatives of NGOs, and other stakeholders. The rally, featuring miking, IEC vans, and muppets, was flagged off by District Commissioner Narendra Kr Shah, IAS, in the presence of ASACS Project Director Dr. Indranoshee Das, ACS, and other officials.
At the public meeting, Keshab Mahanta, Minister for Transport, IT, emphasized healthy lifestyles and avoiding high-risk behaviors like unprotected sex and sharing needles. Dr. P Ashok Babu, IAS, noted the rise in HIV transmission through needle sharing and highlighted the role of Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) Centres in rehabilitation.
ASACS Project Director Dr. Das spoke on the significance of World AIDS Day and detailed the society’s recent campaigns in vulnerable areas and detention centers. Ten districts were felicitated for successfully conducting a 60-day Intensified IEC Campaign.
The event concluded with cultural programs, including street plays, flash mobs, and a blood donation camp, underscoring the collective fight against HIV/AIDS.
