Guwahati (The Stellar News): Along with the rest of the world, Assam observed World AIDS Day today (1 December 2020) with the theme of Global Solidarity, Shared Responsibility where a gamut of activities including rallies, puppet shows, public functions etc were organized in all districts across the State.
Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS) sponsored programs began with the flagging off of the foot rally and all girls’ bike rally by noted sportsperson Bhagyabati Kachari and author Dr Akashitora along with ASACS project director Anurag Goel in the city. The rallies after moving through different areas of the city will culminate at Panjabari area. The State level function began at Kalakshetra complex with the inauguration of a blood donation camp by State minister Pijush Hazarika where he commented that many people lost their lives because of AIDS during the late 90s, but today HIV becomes a manageable disease.
Asserting that the prevention is the only way to deal with AIDS, Hazarika stated that Assam is still a less HIV prevalent State than
some other northeastern provinces. But he cautioned that Assam has been vulnerable to HIV always as it is surrounded by highly prevalent States namely Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland. The gathering was also addressed by popular singer Nahid Afrin, responsible government officers Dr Lakshmanan S, Dr Rathindra Bhuyan and three HIV positive speakers along with other dignitaries. Six individuals were awarded in the event for their untiring services in HIV sector with trophies and certificates.
