HIV/AIDS awareness camp promotes healthy living

In a commendable effort to promote health awareness, a special HIV/AIDS awareness camp was organised at the Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Paplog in Mandi under the directives of the Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society (HPSACS), Shimla.

The event aimed to sensitise students about HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), Hepatitis B & C and tuberculosis (TB), while also educating them about the provisions of the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017.

The camp was presided over by Lata Devi, Principal of ITI-Paplog. Key resource persons included Sonu Kumar, ICTC Counsellor from Civil Hospital Sarkaghat and Munshi Ram, Programme Manager with the Rural Development Work Committee and Targeted Intervention Programme.

During his address, Sonu Kumar explained the causes, symptoms, transmission modes, prevention and treatment options for HIV/AIDS and related infections. He stressed the importance of awareness, regular health check-ups and responsible behaviour — particularly among youth — to curb the spread of such diseases.

He also elaborated on the HIV and AIDS Act, 2017, which safeguards the rights of individuals living with HIV/AIDS and prohibits discrimination against them in education, employment and healthcare.

Kumar said the initiative is part of a state-wide awareness campaign running from August 12 to October 12, 2025, covering rural areas and educational institutions across Himachal Pradesh. Munshi Ram, representing the Targeted Intervention Programme, highlighted ongoing outreach efforts to educate high-risk groups about safe practices and early testing. He urged students to adopt a healthy lifestyle and act as change-makers in spreading awareness within their communities.