State first in Heroin abuse, third in alcohol consumption, inhalants in the country

ITANAGAR, Dec 1: World AIDS Day was observed today across Arunachal Pradesh with the theme "End Inequalities. End AIDS. End Pandemic". 
In the state capital an awareness ride was taken out from Itanagar to Lekhi by the Bullet Riders comprising of Royal Arunachal Riders, Arunachal Bullet Club, Pirhana Gliders, Gurkha Riders, Decant Souls and Tani Riders, to mark the observation of World AIDS Day 2021.
Kento Rina, MLA and Adviser to the Education Minister, while flagging off the awareness rides from Akashdeep Complex, Itanagar asked everyone to contribute in creating awareness about HIV/AIDS as it can affect anyone.
 "As there is no defined cure and no vaccine against HIV, awareness is the only medicine and vaccine against HIV," he added.
Attending the programme as the Chief Guest at Arunodaya University at Lekhi, Naharlagun, Dr M.Lego, Director of Health Services, stressed on the importance of good mental health to have a healthy body. The menace of HIV/AIDS can be prevented and controlled only if we have a proper knowledge, he added. While appreciating the student participants and Bullet Riders who turned up in large numbers, he asked everyone to disseminate the information about HIV/AIDS so that people remain safe from HIV Virus. 
The project director of APSACS, Dr Riken Rina while explaining the importance of World AIDS Day, said the only answer against HIV is knowledge and awareness. He stressed on the importance of ‘ABCD’ to prevent and control HIV where ‘A’ stands for ‘Abstinence’ ‘B’ stands for ‘Be faithful to your sexual partner’ ‘C’ stands for ‘Consistent Condom uses’ ‘D’ stands for don’t do drugs. 
While highlighting the menace of drug abuse and the correlation between drug and HIV, he informed that Arunachal Pradesh stand first in Heroin drug abuse, third in alcohol consumption, inhalants and ganja abuse among entire states and union territories in India. 
Dr. VN Sharma, the Vice Chancellor of Arunadoya University in his address asked students to instill sense of responsibility towards themselves, parents and  society. Urging people to stay away from addictive substances, he said elimination of disease like HIV needs equal participation from all sections of society.
Associate Professor and one of the chiefs of the Bullet riders, Tumbom Lily Jamoh, informed that the riders have taken more than 80 numbers of awareness rides for the social cause so far and will continue to do so in the future also. 
Dy. Director (BSD) APSACS, DR. A.Borang appreciated the role of the Bullets Riders in creating awareness about HIV in the state. He also appreciated the role of students, NSS, colleges and university in the HIV awareness program in the state.

The President of the Arunachal Network of Positive People, Yumrin Nokpa, in his address said that the community is working since 2010 for creating awareness about HIV. He said that the objective of the ArNP+ is to ensure that no people suffer their fate in Arunachal Pradesh. He also appreciated APSACS for extending every possible help to the people living with HIV in the state.
The program was organized by APSACS under the Health Department in collaboration with Arunodaya Unversity.
The NSS Unit of Dera Natung Government college, Itanagar also
observed World Aids Day in the college campus. A total of 15 NSS 
Volunteers and 60 students including NCC cadets of the college participated. The event was graced by Principal Dr. M.Q Khan and J.P Nanda
(HoD,Zoology Department) as the resource persons. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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