Cachar Observes World AIDS Day with Rally; ASACS Gives Recognition to Cachar and Sribhumi’s Awareness Efforts

The Cachar district marked World AIDS Day with a rally to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, showcasing its commitment to combating the epidemic. The rally, organised by the Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS), commenced at 8:00 AM from SM Dev Civil Hospital and proceeded through Premtola before returning to the starting point. Participants, including healthcare workers, students, and community members, carried banners and slogans promoting HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.

Following the rally, a meeting was held at 8:30 AM in the conference hall of SM Dev Civil Hospital. Counsellors and laboratory technicians from ICTC, PPTCT, ART, and SRL centres across Cachar gathered to discuss further strategies for raising awareness and providing care to vulnerable populations.

In addition to the rally, Cachar and Karimganj (Sribhumi District) received certificates of appreciation from ASACS during a felicitation programme held in Nagaon. Organised by DISHA, a division of ASACS, the programme celebrated the successful completion of the Intensified Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign conducted in both districts. Mr Biplab Chowdhury, SSK Manager of SM Dev Civil Hospital, and Mr Wasim Mazumder, ICTC Counsellor at Paterkandi CHC, represented their respective districts. Both districts were commended for their outstanding efforts in spreading awareness and promoting HIV prevention during the campaign.

World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, was established in 1988 to raise awareness of the AIDS epidemic, honour those lost to the disease, and promote progress in prevention and treatment. It serves as a global reminder of the importance of solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The Intensified IEC Campaign, initiated on August 12 and concluded on October 12, aimed to educate vulnerable groups across Assam about HIV/AIDS. By leveraging innovative communication strategies, the campaign sought to reduce stigma, encourage regular testing, and promote safer practices. Its success in districts like Cachar and Karimganj highlights the importance of sustained community engagement in achieving a healthier society.