775 Red Ribbon Clubs hold activities on World AIDS Day

More than 10,000 volunteers of 775 Red Ribbon Clubs across colleges, schools and PU campus in Punjab came together to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS on the occasion of World AIDS Day today. The clubs, established in colleges across the state by the Department of Youth Services in collaboration with Punjab State AIDS Control Society, worked towards the successful execution of various activities to spread awareness about the disease and promote prevention.

Various awareness activities were conducted across colleges in Punjab to mark the day on AIDS awareness. Students of different colleges participated in rallies, carrying placards and banners with HIV/AIDS awareness messages, spreading the message to the community. Colleges organised seminars, inviting experts to educate students about getting tested from time to time, preventing themselves and others while at the same time supporting the ones affected and breaking the stigma it carries.

Interactive workshops were conducted to educate students about safe practices, HIV testing and counselling services. Students showcased their creativity through posters and slogans, highlighting the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness. Experts delivered talks on HIV/AIDS, addressing myths, misconceptions and prevention strategies.

Among others who observed the World Aids Day include Swami Ganga Giri Janta Girls College, Raikot; Dashmesh Girls College, Mukerian; Shree Satya Sai BED College, Karaiwala, Muktsar Sahib; DAV College of Education, Abohar; AS Group of Institutes, Khanna; GGN Institute of Vocational Studies, Guru Nanak Khalsa College for Women, Government ITI TCKT, Malwa Central College of Education, Ramgarhia Girls College of Ludhiana and GHG Khalsa College of Education, Gurusar Sudhar.

The clubs of these colleges conducted awareness rallies and flash mobs, used placards and banners to highlight HIV prevention and anti-drug messages. Awareness was most importantly spread on various social media handles by the clubs.

State NSS officer (SNO), Punjab, Rupinder Kaur shared that a 60-day intensified campaign was conducted every year under the leadership of NACO to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS and drug abuse. “The campaign aims to strengthen preventive and curative services available at ICTCs, STI clinics, ART centres, OST centres and through VBD initiatives. In Punjab, the campaign is implemented by PSACS with special focus on rural and semi-urban areas,” the SNO added.

Deputy Director, Youth Services, Kulwinder Singh shared that the volunteers in different educational institutions were taught how to learn the truth about HIV/AIDS and STIs, share and discuss health issues without hesitation, remove doubts and false beliefs about sexual health, open up about body and health matters, follow good nutrition, hygiene and habits and above all end stigma and support to people living with HIV.

Principal of GHG Khalsa College, Gurusar Sudhar, Inderjit Singh shared that the oath ceremony was held in which the students pledged to stay drug-free and spread HIV awareness, apart from displaying the oath prominently and ensuring collective participation. “The volunteers enthusiastically participated in the poster-making competition and prepared posters focussing on prevention, awareness and social responsibility.”

Principal, Guru Nanak Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana, Maneeta Kahlon and Principal, Ramgarhia Girls College, Ajit Kaur collectively expressed that the Red Ribbon Club initiative aimed to empower young people with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS. “By engaging students in awareness activities, the clubs hope to promote a culture of prevention and reduce stigma around the disease. The students and faculty members participated in a good numbers to highlight the importance of AIDS protection and the need to support the affected,” she added.