World AIDS Day observed across Assam

Our Correspondent

TEZPUR: In a move to unite in the fight against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the Sonitpur District Health Society, Tezpur, along with the rest of the districts in Assam, too observed World Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Day on Tuesday in the premises of the Indian Medical Association, Tezpur.

Deputy Commissioner Manvendra Pratap Singh flagged off an awareness rally to mark the World AIDS Day which was attended by Joint Director of Health Services, Sonitpur, Medical Superintendent KCH, DACO Sonitpur, DPMU Sonitpur, NGO representatives, students of Nursing School KCH and other healthcare workers also participated in the event.

The theme of this year's World AIDS Day is 'Global Solidarity Shared responsibility'. Speaking on the occasion as a resource person, Dr Ranamukut Keot said, "Understanding and having a broad knowledge about HIV can help prevent or reduce the risk of getting the disease. This includes being aware of signs and symptoms, transmission and risk factors. This disease is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Due to this disease, people get exposed to vulnerable infections and diseases." He also said that HIV was found in the tissues and that it was transmitted through blood, semen and breast milk. This disease is a sexually transmitted disease and it can also transmit through blood transmission. There are several symptoms of HIV and some of them include joint pain, fever, muscle ache, sore throat, weight loss, weakness, among others.

Dr Jiauddin Ahmed, Joint Director Health Services, Sonitpur and Dr Pradip Kumar Sarmah, District Nodal Officer of DMHP, also spoke on the occasion

BARPETA: The Deputy Commissioner of Barpeta, Munindra Sarma urged the people of Barpeta to be alert against two dreadful diseases - AIDS and COVID-19. Addressing as a chief guest during the World AIDS Day programme on Tuesday, Deputy Commissioner Munindra Sarma stated that no medicine had been invented to cure these two diseases till date. Though the fight against COVID-19 is assumed as short term, the fight against AIDS is life-long. The Deputy Commissioner also said that AIDs patients should be treated with care. The meeting was held in the Tarun Ram Phukan Hall, which was organized by the Directorate of Health Services, Barpeta whereas Sabyasachi Kashyap, ADC, Barpeta, Bikash Sarma, DIPRO, Barpeta, and other dignitaries took part.

In his address, District AIDS Control Officer, Barpeta, DrGunin Das stated that there were total 393 HIV positive patients in Barpeta district. There are all total 21,220 HIV positive patients all over Assam. An awareness rally was taken out with slogans through the main roads of the town. The rally was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Munindra Sarma.

GOLAGHAT: The 142 Bn, CRPF, Jonaki Nagar, Golaghat on Tuesday observed the World AIDS Day in a befitting manner at the headquarter premises by adhering to all the COVID-19 guidelines/instructions issued by the government from time-to-times. On this day, Bharat Kumar Vaishnav, Commandant 142 Bn, along with the unit medical staff, delivered a brief speech about the causes of the dreaded disease HIV/AIDS and symptoms and its preventive measures, thereby creating awareness among personnel of 142 Bn. The Commandant said that anyone suffering from HIV should be treated on humanitarian ground. Neraj Kumar Singh, second in- command, Dhrambir Kumar, Deputy Commandant, other dignitaries, along with subordinate officers and jawans participated in this awareness programme.

LAKHIMPUR: Laying stress on the theme of the year – 'Global solidarity, resilient services', the World AIDS Day was observed in Lakhimpur district along with the rest of the globe. On this occasion, a special awareness programme was organized by the Joint Directorate of Lakhimpur District Health Services in association with Padumoni Jagaran Sewa Samiti, a non-governmental organization.

As a part of the agenda of the programme, an awareness rally was taken out in North Lakhimpur town with the participation of healthcare personnel and the public. The rally was flagged off by Joint Director of Lakhimpur District Health Services, Dr. Mahendra Das.

It was followed by an awareness meeting which was held at the conference hall of the Joint Director's office. The meeting commenced with Dr. Gunin Kumar Gogoi, the District Immunization Officer, in the chair. Additional Deputy Commissioner Manorama Morang took part in the programme as chief guest while District AIDS Control Officer Dr. Jagadish Goswami and District Programme Manager of NHM, Debanga Bikash Gogoi were present as guests of honour.

Dr. Jagadish Goswami said that a total of 130 HIV patients had been detected in the district till day. "They were all detected in the period from 2003 to 2020. Out of them, 100 people living with HIV are under treatment at present. On the other hand, a total of 21,220 HIV patients were detected across the State. Out of them, 1330 patients were detected in 2019. If the people living with HIV undergo the Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) sincerely, the HIV cannot grow and loses the capacity of being transmitted," Dr. Jagadish Goswami said, laying stress on the strict adherence to the AIDS control measures for the greater interest of human health.

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