LIKABALI : The Intensified Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign 3.0 was launched at Likabali in Lower Siang district on Thursday to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and drug abuse, particularly among the youth.
Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor and 36-Nari Koyu MLA Tojir Kadu jointly launched the campaign in the presence of Lower Siang Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, heads of departments, public leaders and hundreds of students.
A mass awareness rally comprising students, community-based organisations (CBOs) and Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) leaders was flagged off by the dignitaries. More than 100 students from Government Higher Secondary School, Likabali, and Independent Golden Jubilee Government Higher Secondary School participated in the rally, which commenced near the Likabali Police Station and culminated at the GHSS auditorium.
Organised by the Arunachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) in collaboration with the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), the campaign seeks to promote informed and responsible behaviour and strengthen efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS and drug abuse.
APSACS Joint Director (IEC) Tashor Pali explained the four major modes of HIV transmission—infected blood-to-blood contact, mother-to-child transmission, sharing of infected needles and syringes, and unprotected sexual contact. He stressed the importance of awareness, early prevention and responsible behaviour in containing the spread of HIV.
Tojir Kadu urged students to resist negative peer pressure, stay away from alcohol and tobacco and maintain discipline in their daily lives. He also called upon the youth to remain informed about HIV/AIDS and its modes of transmission.
Kardo Nyigyor highlighted the role of young people in bringing about positive social change. He explained the impact of HIV on the immune system and stressed that the infection can be prevented by avoiding the major routes of transmission. He urged students and community members to act as ambassadors of awareness within their families and communities.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Senpe Taipodia, In-charge, Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC), Likabali.
The Intensified IEC Campaign 3.0 is expected to strengthen awareness initiatives across the district and encourage collective action against HIV/AIDS and drug abuse, particularly among young people. (DIPR)
