Shillong, July 8: The Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) on Tuesday launched a sensitisation programme for religious leaders in East Jaintia Hills, seeking the support of faith-based organisations to raise awareness on HIV, reduce stigma and encourage voluntary HIV testing.
The programme, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Khliehriat, is part of the state’s three-month Integrated Health Campaign scheduled to run from July to September across identified villages in the district.
Chairing the meeting, Assistant Commissioner F. Wann called on religious leaders to play a proactive role in educating communities about HIV and encouraging people to voluntarily know their HIV status through testing.
She said faith-based organisations can make a significant contribution in dispelling misconceptions surrounding HIV and strengthening community participation in public health initiatives. She also invited suggestions from participants to improve the effectiveness of the campaign.
The meeting was attended by District AIDS Control Officer for East and West Jaintia Hills, Dr P. Lamare, District Integrated Strategy for HIV/AIDS (DISHA) Jaintia Cluster representative Sandy Tariang, and religious leaders from different faiths.
Officials discussed the objectives of the Integrated Health Campaign and strategies to mobilise communities for voluntary HIV testing as part of efforts to curb the spread of HIV in the district.
The campaign will be carried out in selected villages across East Jaintia Hills over the next three months.
Also read: NSF calls candlelight vigil in Kohima to mourn six slain Naga men, demands swift justice
Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
