Port Blair, Dec 1: Along with the rest of the country and the world, ‘World AIDS Day’ was observed in A&N Islands today to create greater awareness about the disease. The main function for the observance was organized at the Auditorium of GB Pant Hospital here this evening by the A&N AIDS Control Society (ANACS). The Lt. Governor, A&N Islands, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi was the chief guest on this occasion. The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Anindo Majumdar was the guest of honour while the Principal Secretary (Health), Shri Raajiv Yaduvanshi was also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Lt. Governor expressed happiness that ‘World AIDS Day’ is being observed in A&N Islands. He said, the UNO, considering the seriousness of AIDS and its impact on world population, declared 1st December as World AIDS Day, with the objective of creating awareness among people about the dreaded disease, its causes and prevention. Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome, commonly known as AIDS, is a dreaded disease which has spread all over the world and till date no definite cure has been found for it, he said.
The Lt. Governor stated that in order to observe the World AIDS Day meaningfully, it is pertinent to prepare planned activities for prevention and control of AIDS, setting target of zero HIV Islands and adopting a particular vulnerable village. Arrangements should be made for the visit of eminent Medical Officers, nurses, paramedic staff, medical college students as well as youth to such places for observance of World AIDS Day, in a different and meaningful manner, he observed.
The Lt. Governor lauded the A&N AIDS Control Society for the efforts made in containing the spread of AIDS in the Islands and stressed the need for continuous efforts, particularly at the grass root level. The Lt. Governor appealed to one and all present on the occasion to motivate people in propagating about the causes of AIDS, its mode of transmission and preventive measures; and to work in tandem in making these Islands an AIDS free zone in the years to come.
The Lt. Governor also distributed certificates to the winners of various competitions organized by ANACS as part of the observance of the Day.
A puppet show by Ms. Priyanka Talukdar and a welcome song presented by artists of Mukta Dhara received huge applause from the gathering.
In his address, the Chief Secretary, Shri Anindo Majumdar remarked that though the incidence of AIDS in A&N Islands is low as compared to the national level, the vulnerability is more and we cannot be complacent, as we are no longer isolated and are exposed to the disease. He stated that AIDS is a raging global issue and India ranks 3rd in AIDS cases. He stressed that more information, education and communication besides awareness camps have to be organized to educate the masses. The Chief Secretary also lauded the A&N AIDS Control Society for its initiative and sincere efforts towards combating the disease. However, the need of the hour is to strengthen the activities and have empathy towards AIDS patients, he said adding that the tendency to stigmatize AIDS patients is more due to less awareness about the disease and we need to dispel such notion. He called upon every Islander as well as the health machineries to help reach out to AIDS patients with encouragement.
Speaking on the occasion, the Principal Secretary (Health), Shri Raajiv Yaduvanshi said, ANACS is working consistently in controlling the disease and disseminating information to the people about the disease since its inception in the Islands. He said, the blood bank of GB Pant Hospital is in accordance with international protocol and guideline and hence safety is ensured. He said, the UN Motto for AIDS is Zero Tolerance towards AIDS and it must be ensured that the same is adopted here.
In her address, the Director, Health Services, Dr. Shipra Paul called upon the students of ANIIMS, Nursing College, ANM Training school, youth, as well as health workers to disseminate information about AIDS, its preventive measures & mode of transmission to create awareness in the society and help make these Islands AIDS free zone.
In his welcome address, the Project Director, ANACS, Dr. R. K. Haldar explained about the significance of the day. He also highlighted about the mode of transmission of AIDS, its preventive measures and the activities done by ANACS in spreading awareness among the masses and the efforts made in controlling the spread of the disease. He said, the theme for observance of ‘World AIDS Day’ this year is ‘Hands Up For HIV Prevention’.
The programme which was attended among others by Senior Doctors of G B Pant Hospital, HoDs of ANIIMS, Students from Medical College, ANM Training School, Nursing School, Nurses and heath workers concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by the Deputy Director (IEC), ANACS, Dr. Jahanara Yasmeen.
