Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 143/23

INTEGRATED HEALTH CAMPAIGN CONCLUDES

The 3 month long Integrated Health Campaign organized by the Meghalaya Aids Control Society (MACS) in collaboration with the District Administration, East Jaintia Hills District, Office of the District Medical and Health Officer, East Jaintia Hills District and other Line Departments concluded today in East Jaintia Hills District. The Official closing programme was held at the premises of the Deputy Commissioners Office, Khliehriat. Shri Kyrmen Shylla, Minister of Home (Passport), Revenue and Disaster Management Department etc attended the programme as the Chief Guest. Shri. Mayralborn Syiem, MLA, Chairman Meghalaya State Health Advisory Board, Government of Meghalaya, Shri. Gautam Warjri, MCS, Addl. Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District. Dr. Dominic Shylla, District Medical and Health Officer, Dr. B. Decruse, Project Director of MACS and Dr. L. Myrthong, Deputy Director (Medical) MACH were among other who also attended the programme.

Addressing the gathering, Shri. Kyrmen Shylla, the Minister of Home (Passport), Revenue, and Disaster Management Department, emphasized that the Integrated Health Campaign is a testament to the effectiveness of collaboration. He stressed that in todays world, addressing the complexity of health challenges requires multifaceted solutions. He noted that the campaigns primary objective is to establish partnerships between healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, and, most importantly, individuals and communities. Shylla highlighted that the overarching goal is to empower people by providing them with knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their health and well being. This includes promoting healthy habits and advocating for policies that support public health, with a commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward integrated health. He also expressed his appreciation for the Meghalaya Aids Control Society, which has been at the forefront of the health campaign in the district, supported by the District Administration, the Office of the District Medical Health Officer, East Jaintia Hills District, and various other stakeholders who have played a crucial role in making the campaign a success.

Shri. Mayralborn Syiem, MLA and Chairman of the Meghalaya State Health Advisory Board, Government of Meghalaya, underscored the importance of a collaborative approach in strengthening campaigns aimed at addressing prevalent issues like HIV/AIDS in society. He emphasized that integrated health campaigns should extend to other districts as well and requested the Project Director of the Meghalaya Aids Control Society to organize a similar Integrated Health Campaign in the Ri Bhoi District. He pointed out that this district shares a similar demographic profile, which is a significant factor contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Shri. Mayralborn Syiem stressed the need for awareness and collective efforts to support individuals affected by HIV, creating an environment that fosters understanding and support.

He commended the commendable work carried out by the Meghalaya Aids Control Society and all relevant departments and stakeholders in the state during the successful three month long Health Campaign. Expressing concern about the rising cases of drug trafficking among the states youth, particularly in the district, Shri. Mayralborn Syiem urged students in schools and colleges to steer clear of drugs. He encouraged them to collaborate and engage in activities that have a positive impact on society, even in the face of challenges like unemployment. “As legislators we will do our best to implement policies aimed at increasing job opportunities for the youth in the private sector within the state”, he added.

The Integrated Health Campaign was briefly explained by Dr. B. Decruse, Project Director of MACS, and other speakers at the program included Shri. G. Warjri, MCS, Additional Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills District, Dr. Dominic Shylla, District Medical and Health Officer, and Dr. Mr. A.M Lanong, Deputy Director of Mainstreaming at MACS, among others. The Minister Shri. Kyrmen Shylla and Shri. Mayralborn Syiem also inaugurated the Mobile ICTC Van during the same event. All dignitaries and attendees, led by Dr. L. Myrthong, Deputy Director of MACS, took a pledge to combat HIV, stigmatization, and discrimination.

During the Programme, Minister, Shri. Kyrmen Shylla and Shri. Mayralborn Syiem, MLA and Chairman of the Meghalaya State Health Advisory Board, Government of Meghalaya, jointly awarded recognition awards to various medical teams from health facilities, NGOs, partner link workers, TLS, SETU, 1 LT, SURE, SACS field teams, Bansara Eye Care, Nethralaya, National Institute of Paramedical Technology, colleges, District Social Welfare Office, Block Development Officer, MHIS, headmen, Kyrmen Foundation and cement factories. Additionally, awards were also presented to DISHA Khliehriat and medical officers.