SHILLONG : The Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) on Wednesday launched the Statewide Intensified IEC Campaign 3.0 to strengthen awareness, prevention, testing and treatment related to HIV/AIDS across Meghalaya.
The campaign was launched by Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla during an HIV/AIDS awareness programme held at the Lady Keane College Hall in Shillong to mark International Youth Day.
Health Minister calls for end to HIV-related discrimination
Addressing the gathering, Shylla urged people across the state to reject discrimination against people living with HIV and extend support by encouraging HIV testing, timely treatment and proper care.
The Health Minister stressed that ending HIV cannot be the responsibility of the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society alone and requires collective action from the Health Department, other government departments, educational institutions, local communities, civil society organisations, healthcare workers, parents, teachers and young people.
He said the Meghalaya Government remains committed to ensuring that the state’s HIV response is accessible, inclusive, evidence-based and people-centred.
Shylla also urged stakeholders to take the campaign beyond its two-month duration and turn it into a broader statewide movement focused on awareness, prevention, testing, treatment and dignity.
Campaign to reach villages, schools and communities
Calling for wider outreach, the Minister said HIV awareness messages must reach villages, schools, colleges, households, hospitals and communities across Meghalaya.
He said the objective should be to ensure that no person is afraid to know their HIV status and that nobody faces discrimination or loss of dignity because of their HIV status.
He also emphasised the importance of providing young people with accurate information to help them protect their health.
The Minister informed that, recognising the seriousness of HIV/AIDS, the Government of Meghalaya has approved a five-year plan to strengthen efforts in this area.
Youth participation crucial in HIV awareness
As the programme coincided with International Youth Day, Shylla highlighted the important role of young people in Meghalaya’s health awareness and prevention efforts.
He noted that approximately 51 per cent of Meghalaya’s population is below 20 years of age, making youth participation particularly important in spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS.
The Minister encouraged students and Red Ribbon Clubs in colleges across the state to actively participate in HIV/AIDS awareness programmes and share accurate information with their peers and communities.
MACS team and students appreciated
Shylla congratulated the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, its Project Director Dr K. L. Iawbor, and the organisation’s field functionaries and partner organisations for organising the campaign.
He also appreciated students of Lady Keane College and St Edmund College for their presentations during the awareness programme.
The Statewide Intensified IEC Campaign 3.0 is expected to strengthen Meghalaya’s efforts to promote HIV prevention, encourage testing and treatment, and reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.