This activities under the division includes the behaviour change communication strategies for HRGs, vulnerable groups and hard to reach populations and to create awareness among general population, particularly women and youth. Mainstreaming with various departments is also done under these activities. Red Ribbon Clubs (RRC) are formed in different Colleges and Universities to create awareness on HIV/AIDS and Voluntary Blood Donation among the youth and students. Under Adolescence Education Programme (AEP), Schools/colleges are covered for HIV/AIDS Education among the school/college students.
The following activities are conducted regularly under this division:
For mainstreaming and sharing responsibilities for prevention of HIV/AIDS, different Govt. departments, public sector and private sector agencies have been involved:
Red Ribbon Clubs:
Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS) observed National Youth Day at the conference hall of State Institute of Health & Family Welfare(SIHFW) in Khanapara on January 12, 2016. Welcoming the participants in the event, ASACS Joint Director (IEC) Bonti Saikia, while stressing on this year’s theme, ‘Indian youth for development, skill and harmony,’ said, “Youth is the asset of society and thus we can’t ignore the fact that they are the most vulnerable lot. And thus it is our prime duty to ensure that they follow the right path. Swami Vivekananda is the real youth icon of the nation and thus by observing this day which coincides with Swamiji’s birthday, we actually try to remind the youths that they should not take any wrong path and instead follow the ideals of Swamiji.”
Noted writer Jayanta Madhab Bora, in his speech said, “If we want to empower others, we must first empower ourselves. Today’s youth is losing patience. They have no time to listen to others. Thus, there is a huge communication gap and this has resulted in indiscipline amongst the youth. There is frustration amongst the youth today and that is why they become prone to high risk behaviours.”
Professor and HoD of the Department of Assamese, SB Deorah College Janendra Kalita, in his lecture said, “Swami Vivekananda’s contribution for the uplift of the society especially the youth is unparallel. Swamiji always inspired the youth to serve the nation. He always believed that service to mankind is service to God.”
Another professor of SB Deorah College, Dr Niranjan Kalita dwelt on the ideals of Swami Vivekananda. He said , “Swami’s views and teachings would always help in building up a strong and a healthy society. The youth of the country must come together to carry forward the dreams of Swamiji.”
ASACS Asstt Director, Youth Affairs, Apurba Bezbaruah offered the vote of thanks.
Assam SACS observes World AIDS Day
Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS) observed World AIDS Day on December 1, 2015 at International Convention Centre, Kalakshetra, Guwahati. Welcoming the participants at the State-level function, Project Director, ASACS, Dhiraj Choudhury said, “The World AIDS Day which is observed on the 1st December every year gives an opportunity for people all over the globe to unite in the fight against HIV and extend our support for people living with HIV and this is the significance of the day. The theme for the year is - Getting to Zero-Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS-related Deaths.” He further spoke on the vulnerability of the HIV/AIDS menace in the state.
Speaking on the occasion noted social activist and writer Dr Akashitora said, “Life is a celebration but one has to be aware about the comas, colons, semi colons and even full stops. HIV/AIDS is such a menace that if it is transmitted in a human body it would halt the progress of the individual and humanity at large. A person can have complete freedom but he or she has to have absolute control over his life.” She also advocated for installation of condom vending machines at strategic locations across the state which is very much common in European countries. Dr Akashitora further added, “All awareness generating agencies must be geared up to such an extent that our region becomes the first HIV-free zone in the country.”
Noted actor Chetana Das in her speech said, “Life is precious and thus one should not hide his or her illness especially if it is caused by HIV virus. Thus people, especially those who indulges in high risk behaviour must go for HIV/AIDS testing.” The renowned comedy actor also batted for voluntary blood donation.
Noted Blood Transfusion Expert Dr BN Sarma, who was also present on the occasion spoke at length about the HIV/AIDS menace. Drugs Controller Gajen Talukdar also delivered his speech on HIV/AIDS prevalence in the state. ASACS Joint Director (IEC), Bonti Saikia delivered the vote of thanks.
The state-level function was preceded by a rally comprising of representatives from NGOs, civil societies, Red Ribbon Clubs from various colleges etc. The rally was flagged off by former world heavy weight champion Mahadeb Deka.
Some best performing service centres were also awarded in the event.
World AIDS Day -2015 was also observed at the district headquarters across the state of Assam with a gamut of activities including rally, awareness meetings etc.
This year ASACS has selected the following for their best performance in the year 2014-15.
| Sl No | Service Centre / Component | Winners |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Integrated Counseling & Testing Centre (ICTC) | ICTC of Rupnath Brahma Civil Hospital, Kokrajhar |
| 2 | Parent to Child transmission Centre (PPCTC) | PPCT Centre of Guwahati Medical Collage & Hospital |
| 3 | Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) | STI clinic of Silchar Medical College & Hospital |
| 4 | Blood Bank | Blood Bank of Tinsukia Civil Hospital |
| 5 | Anti-Retroviral Centre (ART) | FAAMCH, Barpeta |
| 6 | SRL | SRL of JMCH, Jorhat |
| 7 | Targeted Intervention | TI NGO Gharoa, Nagaon |
The above performers have been rewarded with Rs 5,000/- each along with a certificate.
Red Ribbon Clubs
With an aim to create awareness on HIV/AIDS, the ASACS has formed 172 Red Ribbon Clubs (RRCs) in the schools and colleges of the State through the National Service Scheme (NSS) as the nodal agency for RRC. Red Ribbon Club (RRC) is a comprehensive promotional and preventive intervention to enhance voluntary blood donation as well as mainstream HIV & AIDS prevention, care & support and treatment impact, mitigation, stigma reduction, among the youth in educational institutions. It will also prepare and promote youth peer educators within and outside the campuses.
Drop-in-Centre:
For the network among the PLHIV, there are two (2 nos.) Drop-in-Centres in Assam as follows:
| Sl. No. | Name | Place |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Golaghat district network of positive people (GDNP+) | Golaghat |
Condom Promotion
Assam State AIDS Control Society has been doing condom promotion through NGO’s engaged in TI projects, hiring agency for doing social marketing of condoms and installation condom vending machine in and around Guwahati City. Apart from that condoms are also provided to the ICTC, PPTC and STD centres located in the different medical institutions of the state and other organizations like CRPF camp, clubs, etc.