Team Goemkarponn
USGAO: Goa marked International Youth Day with the launch of an Intensified IEC Campaign on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control at Usgao-Ganjem on Wednesday.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane launched the campaign in association with the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and the Goa State AIDS Control Society, in the presence of Health Secretary Yetindra Maralkar.
The campaign aims to strengthen awareness about HIV prevention, transmission, testing and treatment while addressing the stigma associated with the infection. The initiative will focus on reaching villages, schools and young people across Goa.
As part of the campaign, efforts will also be made to expand HIV and Syphilis screening among expectant mothers and improve access to testing, care and support services.
The campaign will promote the use of the National AIDS Helpline 1097 and the SOCH App, with easier access to services through QR-code-based connectivity.
Rane said awareness, dignity and timely action were essential in the fight against HIV/AIDS and stressed the need to ensure that people have accurate information and access to healthcare services.
The campaign seeks to ensure that no one remains uninformed, unheard or left behind in Goa’s efforts towards HIV prevention and control, with the broader focus on building a healthier youth and a healthier Goa.
