Gangtok, Dec 2
Sikkim has observed the World AIDS Day 2018 on the theme “Know your HIV Status, Live Life Positively” with various awareness events on Dec 1. A series of activities were held under the guidance of Sikkim State AIDS Control Society [SSACS] at different parts of the State to create mass awareness on HIV/AIDS and related stigma and discrimination.
Like other parts of the State, different awareness programmes were held at in and around Gangtok. In the evening, SSACS in association with Sikkim MahilaPartrakarSangh conducted a candle vigil here at MG Marg to pay homage to the people who died due to AIDS. The programme has the Mayor Shakti Singh Chauhdary as the chief guest and was also attended by SSACS Project Direct DrUttam Pradhan, members of Sikkim MahilaPatrakarSangh, youths, students and other people. Many people participated in the candle vigil also participated in the HIV testing voluntarily. It is informed that around 100 people have conducted the voluntary HIV testing. Likewise, a road play prepared by SSACS was also staged by Khusbu and group at different locations in Gangtok.
SSACS officials informed that same types of awareness programmes were also held at all four district headquarters, jails and other place in the State.