Socio Educational Welfare Association Organizes World AIDS Day Awareness Programme in Dibrugarh

A Correspondent

DIBRUGARH: On the occasion of World AIDS Day, an awareness programme was organized by the Socio Educational Welfare Association (SEWA) in Dibrugarh on Monday. The event began with an awareness rally, flagged off by Salien Gogoi, Principal of DHSK Commerce College.

 In collaboration with the district administration and District Health Society, the rally included participation from students, community members, and youth, raising their voices for the rights of People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and other marginalized groups. Dr. Ravi Baruah, District AIDS Control Officer of Dibrugarh, also attended the rally.

Following the rally, an awareness meeting and cultural programme were held at the college auditorium of DHSK Commerce College, in line with this year’s World AIDS Day theme, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right.” During the event, Arfan Hussain, Vice President of SEWA, emphasized the importance of creating an environment in society that eliminates stigma and discrimination, enabling people to access health services without fear. He highlighted the significant role of mental health support in creating an inclusive society where PLHIV and high-risk population can access available government health services.

In his inaugural speech, Salien Gogoi, Principal of DHSK Commerce College, urged the student and teaching community to dedicate time to spreading vital messages that can save lives and contribute to society. Abhijit Saikia, secretary of DLSA, spoke about the legislation protecting the rights of PLHIV and combating stigma and discrimination. He emphasized that continuous awareness efforts can reduce the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Pinky Poddar, Medical Officer at the OST Centre of AMCH, discussed the services provided under the harm reduction strategy of NACO.

Madhuri Bora, Counsellor at the Drug Treatment Clinic of AMCH, stressed the necessity of mental health support for addicts during the de-addiction phases and addressed how unventilated emotions can put individuals at risk.

Dr. Prtha Pratim Das, Assistant Professor of Microbiology at Lakhimpur Medical College, encouraged everyone to check their HIV status at government facilities, ensuring free and confidential services. Dr. Ravi Baruah, DACO, also spoke about the facilities available for PLHIV and HIV testing within the district.

The programme was jointly organized with the NSS unit of DHSK Commerce College and included participation from recovering addicts and the LGBTQ community.

 Community members also performed a colourful cultural programme to signify their rights and advocate against discrimination.

The event was also attended by Dr. Ajit Goswami, Programme Officer of the NSS unit, and Sri Altaf Hussain, General Secretary of SEWA, Dr Prabin Thakur MO of SEWA. The programme was anchored by  Dity Changmai Baruah, Project Manager of SEWA, and a vote of thanks was offered by Manshi Baruah, Counsellor of SEWA.

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