WORLD AIDS DAY (WAD) 2018

WORLD AIDS DAY (WAD) was observed by OSACS (Odisha State Aids Control Society) on Dec 1 2018 in association with NACO (National Aids Control Organization) National Health Mission (NHM) and SBTC (State Blood Transfusion Society). Including A mass rally from Ekamra Hat to Jaydev Bhawan, followed by an Awareness Conclave at Jaydev Bhawan Premises.  Sri Pratap Chandra Jena, Hon’ble Minister, Health  and  Child Welfare Govt. of Odisha  graced the observation as Chief Guest.Event Managed by – Shadow Advertising and Communications.

Odisha State Aids Control Society (OSACS) organized WORLD AIDS DAY -2018 (WAD) on Dec 1, 2018. NACO (National Aids Control Organization) National Health Mission (NHM) and  SBTC (State Blood Transfusion Society) were the associated entities.

The Campaign started with a  Mass Rally from Ekamara Hat to Jaydev Bhawan, which was flagged off with the presence of Dignitaries. Near about 1200 participants from different Educational Institutions, Volunteer Organizations, NGOs, Philanthropic Societies, Public Health Departments andRed-Cross students had displayed the awareness slogans throughout the awareness journey.

Following the awareness Rally, A Conclave was also organized by OSACS At Jaydev, Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. An Exhibition of Paintings by Prison Inmates was also inaugurated. Sri Pratap Chandra Jena, Hon’ble Minister, Health andChild Welfare Govt. of Odisha  as Chief Guest and other dignitaries, whose  presence graced the occasion were –

Dr. Prasanna Kumar Patasani, Hon’ble Mp, Loksabha.
Dr. Pramod Meherda, IAS , Commissioner-cum-Secretary,H andFW Dept.
Dr. Braja Kishore Brahma, Special Secretary H andFW Dept.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Pattnaik, JT (OSACS).
Shri Ananta Naryan Jena,Mayer, BMC.

Deliberation by Sri Pratap Chandra Jena, Chief Guest & Minister, Health andChild Welfare.

“The epidemic rate for HIV in the state of Odisha had significantly dropped to 0.13% , where as the HIV infected rate  are said to be 30 %. Comprehensive awareness programmes and and availability of free treatments being the primal cause for this”–  Shri Jena Said. He added – Prevention is the inevitable in order to confront and control the epidemic of HIV. He urged the co-operation and involvement of the Volunteer Organizations, Red cross, and other Philanthropic bodies for the AIDS control initiatives in the state of Odisha.

Dr. Pramod Kumar Meherda, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, H and FW, Govt. of Odisha in his deliberation accentuated on the vitality of AIDS awareness for everyone. Analyzing the epidemic impact he said, In 2010, the epidemic rate of HIV in the state was 0.31 % which was comprehensively dropped down to 0.13 % in 2017. 90% HIV infected patients had been introduced with ART Center. For Diagnosis purpose, the CIBINAT machine also installed In 38 Health care institutions in the state of Odisha. Implying the campaign theme for WORLD AIDS Day-2018 “KNOW YOUR HIV STATUS” Mr. Meherda Said, One must undergo an HIV Test on feeling apprehensive about being infected for avoiding the menacing consequences.

During the event, the Annual report for OSACS was unveiled by the dignitaries on dias. Awareness slogans displayed by eminent public figures . Volunteer Organizations, NGOS, Philanthropic societies working for the greater aspect towards HIV prevention initiatives were felicitated on this occasion. The Session concluded with a vote of thanks, delivered  by Sri Sanjay Pattnaik, Joint Director, OSACS.