Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission Centres
Blood Banks
Anti-Retroviral Treatment Centre
Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinics
Sentinel Surveillance
Monitoring and Evaluation
Adolescence Education Programme
The International AIDS Candle Light Memorial (IACM), one of the oldest grass root mobilization campaigns for HIV/AIDS awareness in the world was started in 1983 and, takes place every year, on the 3rd Sunday of May.
The State AIDS Control Society, Chandigarh joined hands with other International Organizations and observed the IACM on 17th May, 2009. A mega event was organized at the Plaza, Sector 17, Chandigarh.
The IACM is observed as a tribute to those who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS and also as a commitment to support and provide care for those who are infected with HIV/AIDS. The theme of this year was “Together, we are the solution”. In accordance with this theme, the event was organized jointly with the various partner NGOs of SACS and the public of Chandigarh.
The Chief Guest on this occasion, His Excellency, Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues, Governor Punjab and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh along with his gracious wife Mrs. Jean Rodrigues and their grand children participated enthusiastically in the event. The other dignitaries who attended the function were Mr. Ram Niwas, IAS, Secretary Health, U.T., Chandigarh and Dr. M.S. Bains, Director Health Services, U.T.. Chandigarh, Ms. Sofia, Technical Officer (TI), NACO, Director Family Welfare Officer, Senior Medical Officers and Project Managers from the TI Projects and peripheral units of SACS.
The dignitaries were welcomed by Dr. Vanita Gupta, Project Director, SACS. His Excellency and the Lady Governor released Halogen gas filled red and white coloured balloons to formally declare open the 26th International AIDS Candle Light Memorial. Members from the Self Help Groups from HRGs performed a song sequence by joining hands depicting togetherness and strength in the fight against HIV/AIDS. A magic show and a skit conveyed the message of prevention of HIV/AIDS to the general public.
The programme was conducted by a well known Radio Jockey, Mr. Gagan from My FM, 94.3. In a most interesting and entertaining manner, he involved the large gathering at the event in an interactive Quiz. Alongwith the Consultant (Care, Support & Treatment), SACS, he was able to ensure a large participation of the gathering and skillfully communicated the modes of spread, prevention, treatment, care and support for HIV/AIDS. Prizes were sponsored by the Canadian Education Consultancy Group.
The dignitaries then proceeded to light the candles to mark their pledge to support the PLHAs. More then 1100 people participated in the candle lighting. A human chain in the form of a Red Ribbon held lighted candles. The chain was formed by the recruits of Police Department, Chandigarh. A huge Red Ribbon alongwith the slogan “We Care”
placed on the ground was also outlined with the candles.
The Chandigarh Network of Positive People participated in the event in large numbers. Placards with slogans motivating people to shun stigma and discrimination towards PLHAs were displayed by these members.
The Coca Cola Company sponsored cold drinks for all the participants.
The programme went on till late in the evening and spots and movies on HIV/AIDS were also screened on the large screens erected for this purpose.
Prior to this event, sensitization of the community regarding the programme was done through radio messages and talks on FM Radio as well as advertisements in the newspaper.
The programme was a huge success and definitely succeeded in conveying the message regarding protection from HIV/AIDS and providing support and care to the PLHAs.
