The Telangana State AIDS Control Society (TGSACS) Activities on World AIDS Day 2024

The Telangana State AIDS Control Society (TGSACS) organized various activities on the eve of World AIDS Day 2024 with the theme “Take the Rights Path.”

State Level Event

The state-level event was conducted on 1st December 2024 at the Indian Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Vengalraonagar, Hyderabad.

Event & Activities Conducted on World AIDS Day 2024:

• Welcome Song: Kum. M.Gathrini, Government Degree College, RRC Member
• Classical Dance: Kum. M.Preethi, Aurora College, RRC Member
• Folk Performance: Natraj Cultural Media
• Flash Mob: Mobera Foundation

Smt. K.Hymavathi, Hon’ble Project Director TGSACS, graced the event as Chief Guest, accompanied by Dr. P. Prasad – APD, TGSACS Officials, State President – Positive Network, partners & NGOs. The dignitaries enlightened the gathering by lighting the lamp. Hon’ble Project Director Smt. K.Hymavathi highlighted the importance of spreading awareness on AIDS and discussed the challenges UNAIDS is addressing to achieve zero new HIV infections and zero deaths in partnership with WHO.

Key Statistics & Initiatives in Telangana (2023-24):

Approximately 1,58,164 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Telangana. TGSACS is actively striving to provide support and assistance with the following initiatives:

• Establishment of a State Committee on AIDS
• 53 NGO groups working with high-risk populations
• 127 ICTC, 1,147 IFCT, 11 Mobile ICTC & 16 SSK Centres providing services
• 48 DSRC Clinics for STD prevention
• 30 ART Centres & 74 Link ART Centres supporting 1,05,155 people with free medicines
• Link workers at village levels for preventive strategies
• Rs 2,016 pension for individuals adhering to the treatment regimen
• Free STD testing at PHCs/CHCs

Release of IEC Material

Various IEC materials developed by partners were released during the event.

Pledge

Dr. Karuna Sree, JD CST, led the participants in a pledge to spread awareness and eradicate HIV/AIDS.

Token of Gratitude

Mementos were presented to partners and the best-performing NGOs to appreciate their contributions to achieving the goals of eradicating HIV/AIDS and zero new infections.

Candlelight Vigil

A candlelight vigil was held to honor those who lost their lives to AIDS and to express solidarity with people living with HIV.

Activities at State Level

• Red Ribbon Metro Train: Messages on HIV/AIDS awareness displayed for 30 days on Metro Rail services.
• Hoardings: Strategic locations featured key messages on HIV testing and prevention.
• Social Media Outreach: Campaigns with #TakeTheRightsPath and #EkAisiDuniya were launched.
• Broadcast Programs: Short films, interviews, and discussions on HIV/AIDS aired on TV, radio, and FM channels.
• Flash Mobs: Performed in public spaces to creatively deliver HIV/AIDS messages.
• Mobile LED IEC Van: Disseminated awareness through audio and video messages in high-prevalence districts.

District Level Events

• Painting and drawing competitions for students.
• Debate and essay competitions on youth’s role in eradicating HIV/AIDS.
• Rangoli-making competitions highlighting AIDS awareness.
• Folk performances targeting specific populations for better understanding.
• Informative leaflets distributed in public areas.
• Rallies with slogans and placards advocating HIV/AIDS awareness.
• Awareness campaigns conducted in 2,000 schools and 770 Red Ribbon Clubs.