Shillong, Dec 01: The State Level World Aids Day was observed here today at Don Bosco Technical School Hall, Shillong which was attended by Chief Secretary, Y Tsering as the Chief Guest and P W Ingty, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department and President, Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, Shillong as the Guest of Honour.
Speaking to a large gathering of nursing students from various nursing schools of the city, Chief Guest, Y Tsering said that the world is addressing the menace of AIDS and working together to eliminate the disease by 2030. He added that the theme of the observation this year ‘Live Life Positively-Know Your Status’ are small words but carry a deep meaning.
He said that it was important for everyone to know one’s own HIV status so that AIDS is not spread. He also informed that earlier, people did not come forward to know their status due to the stigma attached with AIDS but the mindset is changing through social awareness. He urged all specially the youth to safeguard and protect themselves from AIDS.
Guest of Honour, Additional Chief Secretary, P W Ingty during his address informed that though the State through Meghalaya Aids Control Society (MACS) has organized a number of activities to bring about awareness about AIDS everyone has become complacent adding that AIDS is increasing in a few districts in the State and there is a need to focus on those districts.
He also stated that AIDS can be completely eliminated if each one makes it a personal responsibility to contain the disease.Earlier, the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour distributed the awards and prizes to the winners of various competitions that were held as a part of the observation.
