By Our Reporter
Shillong: The HIV/ AIDS is not a mere health issue as it is influenced by a number of socio-economic factors, said Project Director of Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) Dr A Jyrwa
Stating that health intervention alone can not control spread of AIDS, Dr Jyrwa said, “Its prevention requires inclusive efforts from all organizations.”
Dr Jyrwa was addressing a day-long state-level capacity building and sensitization training programme on HIV and AIDS for the Khasi Students’ Union at Don Bosco Youth Centre here on Friday.
The programme, which was attended by over 110 KSU members from different units of East Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and West Khasi Hills, was organized as the part of the approved annual action plan 2012-2013 targeting non -HIV NGOs of the state.
Raising concerns over the lack of awareness and understanding among the youth of the state especially those in the rural areas, Dr Jyrwa said over 75 per cent of the youth did not even know the basic facts of HIV and AIDS.
The project director also stated that the National AIDS control programme recognizes the importance of the non- HIV NGOs, particularly in preventive or targeted interventions for high risk groups, care and support of people living with HIV and AIDS and in general awareness campaigns.
Participating in the training programme, KSU general secretary Auguster Jyrwa said besides other issues relating to the well-being of the people of the state, ‘We feel, this is also one issue which needs attention and requires the participation of each and everyone to fight against this disease’.
Later, Consultant – Mainstreaming of MACS, CE Marbaniang explained in details on the basic facts of HIV and AIDS stating that this disease can be infected through four ways-Injection, blood transfusion, unprotected sex and from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy.
Topics like counseling, testing, treatment, fighting stigma and discrimination, targeted intervention programme on Meghalaya, youth and HIV and importance of blood donation were also deliberated at the training programme.