Port Blair, Dec 01:On 1st December 2022 (Thursday) Andaman & Nicobar AIDS Control Society (ANACS) organized a rally and prize distribution function for the observance of World AIDS Day 2022.
Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary, A & N Administration was the Chief Guest and flagged off the rally of school and college students.
Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Secretary (Health), A & N Administration and Dr.Munni Singhania, DHS-Cum Vice Chairperson, ANACS also graced the occasion.
Chief Guest Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary, A & N Administration in his address to the gathering congratulated the participants of the rally for participating in this awareness campaign. He said that since this disease depends on the lifestyle which follows, need to refrain from certain habits and behaviors. Behavior should be in congruence with the prescribed behavior. There are certain groups that are more prone to this disease because of their lifestyle and must be made aware of that. Also need to help people living with HIV and give them the opportunity to live life. He hopes that the positive numbers remain static and people should work to have zero new HIV cases.
More than 500 students from schools and colleges participated in the rally carrying banners and placards.
The rally started from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Stadium to Clock Tower, Model School, Bengali club, Co-operative Bank to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Auditorium, PBMC.
‘Equalize’, is the theme to observe World AIDS Day 2022. “To keep everyone safe, to protect everyone’s health, need to Equalize.” This World AIDS Day, UNAIDS is urging each people to address the inequalities which are holding back progress in ending AIDS. The “Equalize” slogan is a call to action
At Dr, B.R. Ambedkar Auditorium, PBMC, Port Blair, prize distribution function was organized. Mr. Nikhil Kumar, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health), A & N Administration was the Chief Guest and Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Secretary (Health), A & N Administration was the Guest of Honor. Dr. Munni Singhania, DHS-Cum Vice Chairperson, ANACS was also present.
Mr. Nikhil Kumar, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health), A & N Administration highlighted the global scenario of HIV and AIDS. He said that World AIDS Day is the first health day recognized globally which shows how dangerous it is for mankind and it needs to be addressed. He said that people are lucky that the prevalence in A & N islands is low compared to the National level and people should all work towards bringing the numbers down to zero. He appreciated the wonderful performance of the folk troupe and suggested conducting more such programs at school and college level. He said that as this disease does not have treatment or cure more focus should be on the awareness of prevention measures. He also appreciated ANACS for conducting this event and this should not stop here for just one day but should continue throughout the year.
Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Secretary (Health), A & N Administration also appreciated the folk performance with messages on HIV & AIDS. He said that these kinds of programs can be a good way to disseminate information and create awareness among the youths.
Earlier Dr. Munni Singhania, DHS-Cum Vice Chairperson, ANACS welcomed the guests and the gathering and highlighted this year’s theme Equalize. She said that as the theme highlights, people need to ensure that comprehensive HIV & AIDS treatment and services should be availed by all. The event was conducted under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Munni Singhania, DHS-Cum Vice Chairperson, ANACS.
Fusion performance of folk dance, nukkadnatak with awareness messages was done by Balakrishna Nritya Academy and Dance Nritya Academy which was very impressive and liked by all. Awareness videos on HIV & AIDS were also played for the Participants.
Mr. Nikhil Kumar, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health), A & N Administration distributed the prizes to the winners of Inter College RRC Quiz Competition winners, Inter Youth Club RRC Quiz Competition winners, State Level Quiz Competition winners and inter school painting competition.
The programme was concluded with a vote of thanks offered by DD (IEC), ANACS.
