Guwahati: December 1 is celebrated as World AIDS Day every year all over the world. The main motto behind celebrating the day is to raise public awareness about AIDS. Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome, is a pandemic disease caused due to the infection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which causes damage to the immune system.
On this occasion, the Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS) organized an event at Sri Sri Madhabdev International Auditorium of Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra in Guwahati on Sunday.
The event was attended by Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Pijush Hazarika. Speaking on the event he said that the biggest weapon to fight this virus is ‘awareness’. He added, “Busting major myths and social stigmas associated with AIDS/HIV we have to be aware of it and take necessary steps to prevent it. The biggest challenge for us is that we are yet to create a society where an HIV patient can openly discuss his problems without any hesitation.”
Appealing to everyone for safe blood donation the Health & Family Welfare department and Project Director of the Assam State AIDS Control Society Anurag Goel said that everyone must fight against the prejudices of the society. He also added that time has come that not only the government but general public should also realize the danger of this virus.
The event was also attended by dignitaries such as Dr. Akashi Tara, NHM Mission Director Dr. Lakshman, Dr. Anup Barman and Dr. Rathindra Bhuiyan among others. They all shared their experiences and urged people to understand and have open discussions about AIDS and come out of the prejudices.
Various government organizations and non-government organizations (NGO) from different parts of the State took part in the event.
