Activists vow to spread awareness on AIDS

Office-bearers and activists from various constitutional, social, and medical organisations, on Sunday, pledged their support for movements aimed at raising awareness about the causes and consequences of contracting the HIV virus. They also committed to playing an active role in turning the theme of World AIDS Day 2024, “Take the Right Path: My Health, My Right,” into a reality for the masses.

The pledge was made in response to a call by the World Health Organisation (WHO) urging global leaders and citizens to take action against the inequalities that hinder the fight to end AIDS and assert the right to health for all.

Acknowledging that the HIV virus, which causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), was yet to be eradicated, event organisers in the region outlined an extensive program to launch coordinated efforts to tackle the issue. The organisations concerned were urged to join the cause and work together in spreading awareness about proactive measures for high-risk groups.

Speakers emphasised that while government organisations were making efforts to combat the HIV epidemic, there was a crucial need to launch an information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign to fight the disease, which had devastated thousands of families, particularly those from the lower strata of society.

Dr Jyoti Kapoor, SMO of Ahmedgarh, highlighted that the National AIDS Control Organization had already drafted and implemented several proposals to curb the spread of the virus. However, she stressed that the ultimate goal of eradicating the disease could not be achieved without widespread education on the causes and consequences of HIV transmission. “Unfortunately, discussing AIDS has long been considered taboo, and this attitude has hindered progress in achieving our goals,” Dr. Kapoor said, adding that routine screening camps were being held to detect the virus.

Malerkotla SSP Gagan Ajit Singh said that personnel at all police stations and chowkis in the Malerkotla, Ahmedgarh, and Amargarh subdivisions were updated with the latest information on the causes and modes of HIV transmission.

In response to these calls, social activists led by Rotary Club President Venu Sharma and Assistant Governor-Elect Surinder Pal Sofat announced that special teams of experts would organise meetings with target groups, including factory workers and youth organisations, to raise awareness and provide education on HIV prevention.