Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Launches HIV Awareness Campaign and Health Check-up Drive in Himachal Pradesh
On August 12, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated an HIV awareness campaign in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, coinciding with International Youth Day. The campaign, themed ‘Click to Progress-Youth Digital Pathway for Sustainable Development,’ will run until October 12, 2024, and aims to integrate AIDS patients into society.
The Chief Minister flagged off an awareness chariot and launched a two-month-long Integrated Health Check-up Campaign. He highlighted the government’s support for AIDS patients, including financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per month for those receiving free treatment at Anti Retro Viral Therapy Centers and Rs 300 to Rs 800 per month for children under 18 living with HIV. Free bus travel and HIV testing at government health institutions are also provided.
Sukhu addressed the challenges of protecting youth from drug addiction and raising awareness about AIDS and HIV. The event featured an AIDS awareness exhibition and a cultural program. The Chief Minister also expressed concern about the rising number of cancer cases in the state and mentioned that the government is working with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to study the issue. Currently, 42 essential medicines, including the costly Trastuzumab vaccine, are provided free of cost to cancer patients in government hospitals.
To engage youth positively, the government is promoting sports activities and has increased incentives for sportspersons. Diet allowances for state, district, and block-level competitions have been raised, and travel facilities have been upgraded. Winners of major sports events like the Olympics and Asian Games will receive significant cash rewards.
The Chief Minister also discussed improvements in education, health, and infrastructure, aiming to make Himachal Pradesh the most prosperous state in India by 2032. Initiatives include establishing Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools and developing 850 educational institutions with smart classrooms. Schools with fewer than five students are being merged, and new courses are being introduced to enhance education quality.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil emphasized the critical role of youth in nation-building and the importance of protecting them from drug addiction and raising awareness about AIDS and HIV. AIDS Control Society Project Director Rajiv Kumar provided detailed information about ongoing AIDS awareness programs. The event was attended by Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs, and other dignitaries.
Doubts Revealed
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state, similar to a principal in a school but for the whole state.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu -: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the current Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, a state in India.
HIV -: HIV is a virus that can make people very sick by attacking their immune system, which helps the body fight off infections.
Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India, known for its beautiful mountains and cool weather.
International Youth Day -: International Youth Day is a special day celebrated on August 12 every year to recognize the importance of young people and their contributions to society.
Integrated Health Check-up Campaign -: This is a program where doctors and nurses check people’s health to make sure they are not sick and to help them stay healthy.
Sustainable Development -: Sustainable Development means using resources in a way that meets our needs without harming the environment or depleting resources for future generations.
AIDS -: AIDS is a serious condition caused by the HIV virus, where the immune system becomes very weak and can’t fight off infections well.
Drug addiction -: Drug addiction is when someone can’t stop using drugs, even if they know it’s bad for their health.
Infrastructure -: Infrastructure refers to the basic physical systems and structures needed for a society to function, like roads, schools, and hospitals.