Cachar kicks off intensified HIV/AIDS awareness campaign with citywide rally

way2barak, August 14 :—In a decisive step towards combating HIV/AIDS through mass awareness and community mobilisation, the Cachar district administration on Wednesday launched an intensified IEC (Information, Education and Communication) campaign that combined symbolic action with grassroots outreach. The initiative began with a gathering at the District Commissioner’s office, where District Commissioner Shri Mridul Yadav, addressed participants before ceremoniously flagging off a rally through Silchar’s bustling streets.

“An informed society is our strongest weapon against HIV/AIDS,” DC Yadav told the assembled crowd.

“We must break the barriers of silence and stigma, encourage early testing, and ensure that every person living with HIV has access to proper treatment and support. This campaign is not just about information, it is about compassion, acceptance, and collective responsibility” said DC Mridul Yadav.

The rally, featuring placards, banners, and vibrant slogans, passed through key points of Silchar, spreading the campaign’s message far beyond the formal programme venues. Participants included health officials, student representatives, and community members, all united in their call for prevention, testing, treatment adherence, and the eradication of discrimination.

Following the rally, the focus shifted to Women’s College, Silchar, where the inaugural awareness session was held. A designated resource person led an engaging presentation on HIV/AIDS prevention strategies, the importance of timely diagnosis, the need for consistent treatment, and ways to counter misconceptions and prejudice. The interactive nature of the session encouraged students to voice questions and share their perspectives, reinforcing the campaign’s emphasis on youth-led advocacy.

Prominent dignitaries in attendance included Smti Khaleda S. Ahmed, Additional District Commissioner (Health), Smti Deepa Das, Assistant Commissioner & Branch Officer (Health), Dr. Shibananda Roy, Joint Director of Health Services and Dr. Sujit Tewari, Principal of Women’s College, Silchar. Each expressed strong support for the district’s sustained public health drive, underlining the importance of collective participation in eradicating HIV-related stigma.

Health officials confirmed that the campaign will continue with targeted outreach programmes in educational institutions, marketplaces, and rural areas. Street plays, rallies, interactive community meetings, and the distribution of IEC materials will be the primary tools of engagement. Special emphasis will be placed on mobilising young people, addressing women’s health priorities, and reaching high-risk groups with tailored interventions.

It is important to note that this district-level push is aligned with Assam’s commitment to the UNAIDS 95-95-95 global target ensuring that 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive sustained treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression. Officials believe that through sustained engagement and strong community partnerships, Cachar can move steadily towards the vision of a stigma-free, HIV-free society.

This is stated in a press release issued from Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.