Launch of Intensified IEC Campaign by J&K AIDS Control Society on International Youth Day 2024

12^th August 2024 National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) MOH&FW, Government of India has launched a two month long ‘Intensified IEC Campaign’ from today on the occasion of International Youth Day for creating awareness on HIV/AIDS and other related issues with the support of State / UT AIDS Control Societies working in different parts of the country with the sole aim of enhancing the knowledge levels of the general masses, equip them with information on HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), promote safe practices, reduce stigma and create demand for HIV/STI services through different communication platforms available in this modern age. The campaign activities are categorized into State, District and Village level activities in order to ensure a comprehensive impact and reach among the masses especially the youth populations.

In this connection, Jammu & Kashmir AIDS Control Society, Department of Health & Medical Education, J&K also launched a two month long Intensified IEC Campaign for HIV / AIDS Awareness in the UT of J&K and UT of Ladakh. The inaugural functions were held in Jammu division, Kashmir division and in the UT of Ladakh. In Jammu the main event was held at Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. In Kashmir division the main event was held at Government College of Education, M.A. Road, Srinagar. In the UT of Ladakh the main activities were held at GDC Leh and University of Ladakh. The launch event at Kashmir Division was inaugurated by Dr. Abdul Rouf Bhat, Project Director, J&K AIDS Control Society in the presence of Dr. Seema Naz, Nodal Principal, Kashmir Division Colleges. The launch event at Jammu was inaugurated by Dr. Manu Bhatnagar, Additional Director, J&K AIDS Control Society in the presence of Dr. S.P. Saraswat, Nodal Principal, Jammu Division Colleges. The launch event at Ladakh University was inaugurated by Prof. S.K. Mehta, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh in the presence of Dr. Jigmat Dachen, Dean Students Welfare, University of Ladakh and by Dr. Yangchan Dolma, I/c Principal and Director Colleges, Ladakh at GDC Leh.

 Various activities like Walkathon, Poster making Competition, Debate, Slogan Writing, Placard Making, Folk Performances, Skit and awareness generation activities by Targeted Intervention (TI) NGOs and ICTCs were held across J&K and Ladakh to mark the launch of the event. In addition to this a social media campaign was also launched by J&K AIDS Control Society (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram, whatsapp) along with awareness messages in cinema halls, print and electronic media on the launch date. In addition to this regular awareness generation activities of different kinds will be carried out during this two months period of the campaign.

 During these launch events different cultural activities like Saraswati Vandana, folk performances, skit and dance performances by the students were also held. Students who participated in these activities were felicitated by the chief guests at all the three places alongwith the presentation of mementoes to the dignitaries.