World AIDS Day observed in Meghalaya

SHILLONG:

World Aids Day was observed in the State on December 1 to show support for people living with and affected by HIV and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS.

The theme of the observation was ‘Global Solidarity and Shared Responsibility’.

Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department and President, Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, Shillong, P. Sampath Kumar informed Meghalaya ranks 5th in the country in terms of prevalence of HIV cases and 2nd in the highest number of syphilis cases among pregnant women.

Therefore, concerted efforts are required in creating awareness on preventive measures to address these health issues.

Meanwhile, Project Director of Meghalaya Aids Control Society (MACS), Dr (Mrs) R. Allya informed the State has 5107 registered persons living with HIV (PLHIV) till date.

“People living with HIV have always faced stigma and discrimination, and we see that this is also happening with COVID-19 patients. We have seen the challenges the entire world is facing right now because of the pandemic, and these same challenges have also been faced by people living with HIV,” the MACS Project Director said.

World Aids Day was also observed at Nongstoin under the Theme “Ending the HIV/AIDS”.

H. Suting, BEE Nongstoin, CHC urged upon the public not to show stigma and discrimination to those living with AIDS, so that they are not left behind as India aims to end AIDS by the year 2030.

To mark the occasion in Shillong, Freestyle for 15, an Instagram sports event contest and theme song on HIV/AIDS “Stand Up”, composed and arranged by renowned artist of the State, Lamphang Syiemlieh were launched on the day.

Prizes were also distributed to the winners of the ‘Promote HIV Testing’ contest.

(Edited by Christopher Gatphoh)