Rohit Kumar
Sri Vijaya Puram, 02 December 2024
The Andaman & Nicobar AIDS Control Society (ANACS) organised a motorbike rally on 1st December 2024 to observe World AIDS Day. The event saw participation from over 50 bikers, including community members, youth, and officials from the Health Department.
Dr. Anil Agarwal, Secretary (Health) of A & N Administration, graced the occasion as the chief guest and flagged off the rally. Dr. Suja Antony, Director of Health Services, A & N Administration, was present as the guest of honour. Other notable attendees included Dr. M.K. Saha, Medical Superintendent of G. B. Pant Hospital, senior medical officers, and officials from DHS, ANIIMS, and ANACS.
In his address, Dr. Agarwal commended the work of ANACS in raising awareness about HIV & AIDS and emphasised the need to combat the drug menace. He further stressed that the focus of such initiatives should be on educating the youth, particularly school-going children, about HIV prevention.
The event was held under the leadership of Dr. Subrata Saha, Project Director of A & N AIDS Control Society.
This year’s World AIDS Day theme, “Take the Rights Path,” advocates for the protection of individuals’ rights to ensure good health for all, irrespective of gender, community, or marginalised status. The rally, which aimed to create visible awareness about HIV & AIDS, was accompanied by an IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) van that broadcasted posters and audio messages along the route. IEC materials were also distributed to the public.
The motorbike rally began at Andaman Club and traveled through prominent locations including Cellular Jail, Clock Tower, Bengali Club, Cooperative Bank, Phoenix Bay Power House, Chatham Police Station, and several other key areas before concluding back at Andaman Club.
In addition to the rally, other activities such as flash mobs, folk troupe performances, and competitions in schools and colleges are being conducted across the islands to mark World AIDS Day.