World AIDS Day 2024: Aditya Verma urges collective action to combat HIV/AIDS at Khliehriat event

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 4, 2024

Aditya Verma, Sub-Divisional Officer (Sadar), East Jaintia Hills District, urged collaborative efforts to combat HIV/AIDS while addressing a gathering at the World AIDS Day 2024 observation in Khliehriat on December 4.

Emphasizing the theme “Take the Right Path,” Verma called for empowering the youth, raising public awareness, ensuring quality health services, and eliminating stigma and discrimination. He commended stakeholders for their dedication and encouraged adherence to the UNAIDS 95-95-95 strategy to end the HIV epidemic by 2030.

The event, held at Khliehriat West Community Hall, was organized by the Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association (MCSWA) in collaboration with the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).

District Medical & Health Officer, Dr. D. Shylla, stressed community involvement in HIV prevention, urging participants to know their status through testing and to spread awareness in their communities. Medical & Health Officer In-charge of Opioid Substitution Therapy, Dr. J. Nongtdu, highlighted the availability of health services and support systems in the district. Medical & Health Officer In-charge of Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre, Dr. D. Nongpluh, spoke on the modes of HIV transmission and the importance of early diagnosis.

Assistant Director of MACS, Ajoy Lanong, emphasized the significance of social protection in the fight against HIV. He shared that up to 9,528 individuals affected by HIV/AIDS in Meghalaya, including 2,350 in East Jaintia Hills District and over 3,000 in West Jaintia Hills District.

Panel Lawyer of DLSA, P.N. Swer, discussed the legal aspects of addressing discrimination and ensuring the rights of those affected by HIV/AIDS.

The program also featured a short play by Ladrymbai Self-Help Group members and an extempore speech competition for ASHAs, adding a creative element to the awareness campaign.