Sri Vijaya Puram, August 13: On the occasion of International Youth Day on August 12, the Andaman and Nicobar AIDS Control Society (ANACS) launched Intensified IEC Campaign 3.0 to strengthen awareness among young people and communities about HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with a focus on prevention, early diagnosis and access to health services.
The campaign was launched at the auditorium of Tagore Government College of Education (TGCE), Sri Vijaya Puram. It aims to increase awareness about the routes of HIV transmission, preventive measures, HIV testing, available health services, the Breakfree platform, and the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment. The initiative will also address myths, misconceptions, stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS.
Director of Health Services H.M. Siddaraju inaugurated the programme as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the continuing global impact of HIV/AIDS and underscored the importance of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities in promoting positive behavioural change among young people.
Project Director of the Andaman and Nicobar AIDS Control Society, Subrata Saha, outlined the objectives of Intensified IEC Campaign 3.0. He said International Youth Day had been chosen for the launch of the campaign because young people constitute an important and vulnerable population.
As part of the programme, ANACS also organised an Orientation and Capacity-Building Workshop on the Prevention and Control of HIV and AIDS for youth members of Red Ribbon Clubs. The workshop aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and strengthen their capacity to disseminate accurate information on HIV prevention, testing, treatment and available health services among their peers and communities.
Earlier, Deputy Director (MS & IEC) Jahanara Yasmeen welcomed the participants. Appreciation certificates were presented to Red Ribbon Club nodal officers from colleges and selected departments in recognition of their contribution to HIV and AIDS awareness activities within their respective institutions.
The programme also featured a folk performance by Balakrishna Nritya Academy, which conveyed messages on HIV and AIDS awareness through a cultural presentation, complementing the campaign’s public awareness objectives.
