Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 10: The Andaman & Nicobar AIDS Control Society (ANACS) will observe International Youth Day 2026 along with the inaugural function of the 3rd Round of the Intensified IEC Campaign (IIC) on August 12, 2026, at TGCE Auditorium from 9.15 am. The Intensified IEC Campaign is aimed at strengthening awareness among young people and communities about HIV, AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The campaign will also create awareness about the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017. Information regarding available services, including the National AIDS Toll-Free Helpline 1097, will also be disseminated. The Secretary (Health), A & N Administration, Ms. Vandana Rao, IAS, will grace the occasion as the chief guest and Dr. H. M. Siddaraju, Director of Health services, A & N Administration, will be the guest of honour.
The third round of the Intensified IEC Campaign will continue for two months and will reach communities through a range of awareness activities, including folk performances, flash mobs, school and college outreach programmes, rallies, village-level awareness meetings, door-to-door campaigns and special camps at government hospitals.
A key feature of the inaugural programme will be the acknowledgement and appreciation of the contributions of Red Ribbon Club Nodal Officers and Nodal Officers from various departments for their efforts in mainstreaming HIV and AIDS awareness activities within their respective institutions and departments.