PASIGHAT, Aug 12: Coinciding with International Youth Day, Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Biyuram Wahge along with Pasighat MLA Tapi Darang launched the statewide intensified IEC Campaign on HIV/AIDS here today putting the spotlight on the message/ theme of “Don’t Ignore, Remember Once more”. They also joined the rally of more than two thousand students which culminated at IGJ Govt. Secondary School.Pasighat
Saluting the spirit of the youth to transform society and seeking their support in the fight against the concerning rise of HIV/ AIDS in the state, Wahge in an awareness session organised  to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and its link to drug abuse held at IGJ HSS Auditorium, urged the students to be the voice of social awareness and changes in society adding “every student can help  in creating awareness among their peers in the Information, Education and Awareness Campaign (IEC) to combat HIV/ AIDS.”
He urged the youth to shun drugs and devote their productive years for building a better future.Let this mission begin from the land of freedom fighter Matmur Jamoh and pioneers, he exhorted.
Local MLA Tapi Darang, appreciated the impactful audio visual show on drug abuse screened for the students by the Department of Health & Family Welfare highlighting the ill effects of drug abuse on promising lives and hoped that the intensive IEC will focus on drug and substance abuse which has been highlighted as major cause of HIV/AIDs. The local MLA urged  students to stay away from  drugs and substance abuse and asked for continuing the strict measures in checking abuse in the district. He also thanked  the Health Minister for according top priority to the health care infrastructure of the district while also referring to the functionalisation of the intensive care unit in Bakin Pertin Government Hospital.
Incharge DC, East Siang, ADC Hq Tatling Pertin also highlighted the initiatives of the District Administration and District Police’s Anti -Drug Squad (ADS) in the fight against drug abuse and  anti-drug awareness campaigns.
Highlighting the objectives of intensified IEC campaign, DHS cum Project Director, APSACS, Dr. Marbom Basar spoke on the surge of HIV/AIDS  from 2022 posing a public health challenge in society adding that 70% affected are youth negatively affecting the most productive years. 61% are infected through unsafe needle usage and 35 % transmitted by unprotected  sex. He said the intensified IEC campaign aims to break the chain of infection and also focusing on creating awareness among peer groups.
The launch was organized by the  A.P. State AIDS Control Society (APSACS), DHS ,GoAP under the aegis of National AIDs Control Organisation (NACO).
The Minister along with the local MLA, DC Incharge & SP and senior health officials also inspected the functioning of the Drugs De-Addiction Centre, Pasighat  and interacted with the inmates and officials and other stakeholders. He categorically asked  for following mandatory registration process as per guidelines for running Rehabilitation and Drug Addiction Centres.
Later the Health Minister visited Bakin Pertin General Hospital(BPGH) and held a meeting with health care workers  focusing on welfare measures for health care workers. DIPRO

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
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