National Youth Day celebrated in Chamba

The district-level National Youth Day campaign, celebrated from January 12 to 25, was organised at Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College in Chamba on Friday under the chairmanship of District AIDS Programme Officer Dr Harit Puri. Around 120 MBBS second-year trainee students participated in the event.

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Speaking on the occasion, Dr Harit Puri highlighted that AIDS is an incurable disease and its complete treatment is not yet possible. He explained that AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which weakens the immune system, making the individual susceptible to multiple illnesses that are difficult to treat. If detected early, however, individuals with HIV can live long and healthy lives with the help of ART (Antiretroviral Therapy). Dr Puri emphasised that with proper awareness, AIDS can be controlled and advancements in prevention, diagnosis and care have enabled people with HIV to lead healthier and longer lives.

Dr Puri also shared that approximately 7,500 people in Himachal Pradesh are diagnosed with HIV, with 160 of them residing in Chamba district. At present, these individuals travel to Tanda Medical College for ART medication, but this facility will soon be made available at the Government Medical College in Chamba. Furthermore, the government provides free bus travel for HIV-positive individuals and one accompanying person to access ART services. Additionally, HIV-positive individuals receive a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500.

According to the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), by 2030, 95 per cent of the population should know their HIV status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed should be on ART, and 95 per cent of those on ART should have suppressed viral loads. Dr Puri encouraged everyone to know their HIV status, which can be determined at Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers (ICTCs). In Chamba, ICTCs are available at Bharmour Civil Hospital, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in Chamba, Tissa Civil Hospital, Kihar Civil Hospital and Chowari Civil Hospital.

As part of the event, a poster-making competition was organised for the students. Mannat secured the first position, Abid won second and Dhruv came third. All participants were presented with mementos as prizes.

The event was attended by Health Educator Nirmala Thakur from the office of the Chief Medical Officer, Chamba, BCC Officer Deepak Joshi, Health Educator Lokinder Kumar from the medical college, and other faculty members from the Community Medicine Department.