Tackling AIDS in a big way

Major Events Vol. 3 Issue No. 36

October 1-15, 2007

Tackling AIDS in a big way

Air Force has taken an integrated approach to check the rapid spread of AIDS in the North-East.

Air Officer commanding in chief Air Marshal P. K. Barbora Vayu Sena Medal, inaugurated the HIV/AIDS peer educators Training Workshop at Air Force Hospital, Jorhat on 24 Sep 07. The workshop continued for three days from 24 – 26 Sep 07. The workshop educated and trained the wider spectrum of society which includes medical officers, airmen, ladies of Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA), teachers of various schools and students in conducting Peer Educator Workshop. The three day workshop imparted health education skills to about 70-80 persons. This comprised 20 Medical Officers, 40 Airmen, 08 School teachers and members of AFWWA. The workshop contained several interactive sessions, lectures, demonstration and displays under the aegis of Air Headquarters.

HIV/AIDS is prevalent in North East of India in abundance. Armed forces personnel, living far away from their families, are at great risk of exposure to HIV/AIDS. In this workshop experienced counselors and doctors trained the resource persons. The workshop, lectures and demonstration are being held under the aegis of Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) sponsored by the centre of excellence, United States Pacific Command.

Addressing the delegates, Air Marshal P. K. Barbora stressed the importance of educating the Armed Forces personnel posted in North- East about HIV/AIDS. He addressed the delegates to spread the information among the Peer groups so that all Armed Forces Personnel are made aware of the dangers of HIV/AIDS. It is a grave concern that AIDS scenario in North East is taking an ugly turn for the worse. According to the United Nations AIDS observer Dr. Brown Dennim, the region has made no significant progress in tackling AIDS, in spite of various schemes launched by Government of India from time to time. Barbora further added that it is incorrect to blame government alone. He called for a review of role of society and addresses the lacunae in our system. It is high time government at the centre, state, Armed Forces and section of the society to take a serious note of this. He was pleased to note that Air Force has taken a positive step in this direction. Thereby conducting a workshop educating and involving the Peer group to fight this scourge. He stressed and urged that we need to have an integrated approach taking into account factors like poverty, ignorance, illiteracy, gender discrimination, sex work, unemployment etc. that has been at the root of the rapid spread of AIDS.

Your Visit No

Since April 20, 2000