Port Blair, Dec. 1: On 1st December 2022 (Thursday), the Andaman & Nicobar AIDS Control Society (ANACS) organized rally and prize distribution function for the observance of World AIDS Day 2022.
Shri Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration was the Chief Guest and flagged off the rally of school and college students.
Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Secretary (Health), A&N Administration and Dr. Munni Singhania, DHS-Cum Vice Chairperson, ANACS also graced the occasion.
The Chief Guest Shri Keshav Chandra in his address congratulated the participants of the rally for participating in this awareness campaign. He said that since this disease depends on the lifestyle which we follow, we need to refrain from certain habits and behaviours. Our behaviour should be in congruence with the prescribed behaviour. There are certain groups that are more prone to this disease because of their lifestyle and they must be made aware of that. We also need to help people living with HIV and give them opportunity to live life like all of us. I hope that the positive numbers remain static and we 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, we need to Equalize.” This World AIDS Day, UNAIDS is urging each of us 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 a prize distribution function was organized wherein Shri Nikhil Kumar, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health), A&N Administration was the Chief Guest and Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Secretary (Health), A&N Administration was the Guest of Honour. Dr. Munni Singhania, DHS-Cum Vice Chairperson, ANACS was also present.
Shri Nikhil Kumar, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Health), A&N Administration highlighted the global scenario of HIV and AIDS and 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 we are lucky that the prevalence in A & N Islands is low compared to the National level and we should all work towards bringing the numbers down to zero. He appreciated for the wonderful performance of the folk troupe and suggested to conduct more of 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.
Shri 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 on this year’s theme Equalize. She said that as the theme highlights, we 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, nukkad natak 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 was also played for the Participants.
Shri 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 interschool painting competition.
The programme was concluded with vote of thanks offered by DD (IEC), ANACS.