Every person affected by HIV has right to live with dignity: Secy H&ME

Jammu, Dec 1: Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah Sunday remarked that every person affected by HIV has the right to live with dignity and as a society we must work together to create an environment of understanding, compassion and support for them.

The Secretary made these remarks during an event organised by Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society (JKACS) at Convention Centre here to mark the World AIDS Day celebrations.

Project Director, JKACS, Principal GMC Jammu, Director Health Services Jammu, Director Coordination New GMCs, Director Colleges J&K, Principals of different colleges and Nursing institutions of Jammu, members of NGOs, AIDS fighters and large number of students from different institutions of Jammu were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Abid Rasheed said, “Every year on this day we organise functions to mark World AIDS Day and these gatherings should incorporate some sense of consciousness in our society, especially in the young population.” “These gatherings have deeper meaning and our young generation need to inculcate in themselves the spirit of being the Agents of Change in the Society,” he said.

The Secretary highlighted that there was a need to raise awareness regarding HIV/AIDS in the society and we all need to dismantle the stigma associated with HIV positive people. Dr Abid Rasheed said, “HIV infected people are emotionally as well as societally affected and it is our duty to make their life somewhat better. Support to people living with HIV is imperative and support to them at Community level is the need of the hour.”

The Secretary underscored the critical role of education and public awareness in reducing the stigma and discrimination often faced by individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

The Secretary further underlined that access to treatment for HIV affected persons is very important and no one should be deprived of getting basic treatment.

He asserted that continued collaboration between public health authorities, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations and local communities is paramount to strengthen prevention programs and reduce new infections of this virus. “This challenge cannot be tackled by selective individuals of the Health department but only by joining hands together as a unified force,” Dr Abid Rasheed said.

Addressing the gathering, Project Director, JKACS, Dr Abdul Rouf Bhat said that this day was an opportunity to unite together for fight against HIV and do something for people affected by this virus. He highlighted that this year’s theme of World AIDS Day ‘Take the Rights Path’ points to the need for rights for people affected by AIDS.

In her welcome address, In-charge IEC activities JKACS, Dr Monika Vali said, “This significant occasion allows us to come together to reaffirm our commitment towards fighting this global epidemic.” On the occasion, various students presented a remarkable play, highlighting that awareness is must for fighting this dreadful virus.