KHLIEHRIAT, Dec 4: World AIDS Day 2024 was observed in Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills, during a programme organised by the Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association (MCSWA) in collaboration with the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS), Shillong and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) of East Jaintia Hills.
The programme was attended by Sub-Divisional Officer (Sadar) of East Jaintia Hills, Aditya Verma, along with District Medical & Health Officer (DMHO) Dr D. Shylla and other local officials.
In his address, Verma underscored the critical need for public awareness and community involvement in combating HIV/AIDS.
He called for greater education, youth empowerment and efforts to eliminate stigma, while highlighting the UNAIDS’ 95-95-95 strategy aimed at ending the HIV epidemic by 2030.
The DMHO, on the other hand, urged attendees to get tested and adopt preventive measures to limit the virus’s spread.
He stressed the vital role of community participation in HIV prevention efforts.
During the programme, additional insights were shared by experts from the MACS.
Other highlights of the programme were a short play performed by Self-Help Group (SHG) members and an extempore speech competition by ASHA workers, both aimed at raising awareness about HIV/AIDS.
