Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 87/25

MEGHALAYA LAUNCHES INTENSIFIED HIV AWARENESS DRIVE ON INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY

Celebrating International Youth Day with a purpose the District Integrated Strategy for HIVAids Disha Khliehriat Cluster in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell IQAC of Thomas Jones Synod College supported by the Meghalaya Aids Control Society Shillong organised the launch of the Intensified ICE CampaignIICE under the theme Local Youth Actions for Sustainable Development Goals SDGs and Beyond.

The campaign launched by Smt. Emelya Ch. Momin Assistant Commissioner West Jaintia Hills District on 12th August in the College Hall of Thomas Jones Synod College aims to raise awareness about HIVAIDS and promote safe informed practices among youths.

Speaking at the event Smt. Emelya Ch. Momin underscored the vital role of young people in the fight against HIVAIDS. Referring to the situation in West and East Jaintia Hills as no longer a threat but a full blown crises she said that the Intensified ICE Campaign is designed to share correct information promote early testing encourage safe practice and reach vulnerable group with compassion. She stressed that HIVAIDS is not just a medical issue but also a Social one where stigma and discrimination have prevented many from seeking help. A person living with HIV is first and foremost a person who deserves dignity compassion and support she affirmed.

Addressing the youths she urged them to be Ambassadors of awareness to use their voices in classrooms among peers and within communities to share facts challanges prejudice and encouraged testing. Momin called for collective action so that Meghalaya becomes a state where HIV is fought with knowledge and fear and where compassion is stronger than stigma.

Shri. Sandy Tariang Cluster Program Manager District Intergrated Stratergy HIVAIDS emphasised the growing concern over both the rise of HIV and the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV and other high risk group. He pointed out that West and East Jaintia Hils contributes nearly to 5000 HIV cases about half of the states total. He explained in response to challenges the National AIDS Control organisation NACO has introduced the Intensified ICE Campaign to address awareness gaps and combat prejudice. He said the IICE campaign will use rallies awareness programmes traditional games cultural prorammes to engage communities and spread accurate information especially among rural areas.

The campaign will cover around 150 villages in West and East Jaintia Hills with a focus on educating students in schools and colleges. He informed that campaign will run for two to two and half a month in the district.

Dr. A. Nongbri Principal Thomas Synod College encourage the students to see themselves as future leaders innovators and changemakers starting with self discipline and integrity being loyal just and honest. She reminded them to honour the sacrifice of their parents and to use their youth wisely while avoiding harmful distraction. Acknowledging the power of technology she cautioned it can be a tool and a temptation urging the students to use it responsibly. A rally was also organised with students carrying placards and banners with message on HIVAIDS prevention.