ITANAGAR, Jul 30: A virtual meeting of the State Committee on New India@75 Campaign was held today under the chairmanship of Dr Riken Rina, Project Director APSACS, Directorate of Health Services, Naharlagun.
Dr Rina while shedding light on the campaign informed that next year our country will commemorate 75 years of independence. In this context, the Government of India desires to build the concept of ‘New India@75’ with efficient, transparent and accountable governance. In the development of ‘New lndia@75’, every department and institution is taking certain initiatives, which he said would contribute in bringing ‘change’ in this direction.
He also informed that to contribute in development of New India@75, National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) in collaboration with Central TB Division (NTEP) and Directorate of General Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt of India is launching awareness campaigns in phases. Through these awareness campaigns, activities will be organized in schools and Red Ribbon Clubs constituted in the colleges.
He called upon all stakeholders present to coordinate and support this campaign.
Koj Tara, Asstt Director (Youth Affairs), APSACS explained in detail about the campaign plans in the State. He informed that the main objective of this campaign is to disseminate information regarding HIV-TB prevention and services; to developing an understanding about the infection to reduce stigma & discrimination against People Living with HIV/AIDS and TB, and to encourage blood donation among youths.
J B Nabam, programme head, AIR, Itanagar assured the APSACS of all possible help during the campaign by recording talks and conducting interviews. He also shared that publicity of the campaign can be done through AIR social media platforms like Facebook page, YouTube and FM.
Nani Tanha, programme executive (head of programme), DDK, Itanagar assured to lend support during the campaign.
Dr A K Mishra, State liaisoning officer, NSS assured every possible help to make the campaign successful.
Dr Joram Khopey, Dy Director State Blood Transfusion Council highlighted the shortage of blood in the blood banks of the State due to non-availability of voluntary blood donors. He urged all the stakeholders to take this campaign as an opportunity to create awareness and to motivate youths to come forward for voluntary blood donation.
Tashor Pali, Dy Director, IEC, APSACS explained that the motive behind the formation of Red Ribbon Clubs in different colleges is to mobilize voluntary blood donors among youths of colleges. He also urged the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, GoAP to issue necessary directives to all universities and colleges of the State to take active participation in the campaign.
Tare Bage, IEC Officer, NTEP gave a brief on the National TB Elimination Programme and also highlighted its importance and activities carried out by the department in the fight against tuberculosis in the State.
Being a member of the Core Committee, he also urged all the stakeholders to share the burden of responsibilities in creating awareness on HIV-TB and blood donation.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Dr Tayek Talom, Director Higher and Technical Education, GoAP.