District-Level Intensified IEC Campaign on HIV & STI Launched in Morigaon
Dalim Phukan
Hills Live News, Morigaon, September 19: The District Health Society, Morigaon, in association with the IQAC, Morigaon College (Autonomous), and with support from the Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS), Khanapara, Guwahati, today launched the District-Level Intensified IEC Campaign on HIV & STI at the New Conference Hall of Morigaon College.
SSP, Morigaon, Nishant Saurabh, IPS, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. Among others, Dr. Nilakhi Baishya, ACS, Additional District Commissioner (Health); Dr. Sailendra Bordhan Bora, Joint Director of Health Services; Dr. Lila Kanta Barthakur, Principal, Morigaon College (Autonomous); Dr. Nilomoni Phukan, Vice Principal, Morigaon College (Autonomous); Smt. Janti Bordoloi Patgiri, ASHA Supervisor and social activist working in the field of HIV & STI; Shri Mahendra Saikia, Project Director, Morigaon District SamalaMahala Sangha; Dr. Amar Jyoti Deka, District AIDS Control Officer; Journalist Shri Dalim Phukan, and Smt. Jufin Sultana, DPM, NHM, Morigaon, were present.
The programme commenced with the welcome address by Dr. Sailendra Bordhan Bora. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Nilakhi Baishya, ADC (Health), underscored the importance of sustained awareness, prevention, early testing, treatment adherence and timely follow-up in addressing HIV and STIs, including syphilis. She also stressed the need to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with the diseases.
The campaign was formally inaugurated by Chief Guest Shri Nishant Saurabh, IPS, through the release of a special postal card carrying IEC messages on HIV and syphilis.
Smt. Janti Bordoloi Patgiri, ASHA Supervisor and social activist, appealed to PLHIVs to access treatment voluntarily, maintain regular adherence and ensure timely follow-up. Sharing her personal experiences, she highlighted the need to address stigma and encouraged people affected by HIV to seek treatment and support without hesitation.
Dalim Phukan emphasized the crucial role of students and young people in leading the fight against HIV, STI and drug-related harm. He described students as the future citizens of the nation and encouraged them to become informed and responsible agents of change by promoting awareness, prevention and stigma-free support within their communities.
During the programme, speakers emphasised the need for a coordinated and community-centric approach towards addressing HIV, STIs and substance-use-related harm, with focus on prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and community participation. The importance of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) for persons affected by opioid dependence was highlighted. The contribution of OST services at STHG Civil Hospital, Morigaon, and services provided by MDSMS TI NGO towards treatment and rehabilitation support was also acknowledged.
The programme concluded with a call for sustained and collective community participation to strengthen the district’s response to HIV, STI and substance-use-related challenges under the Intensified IEC Campaign.