N Morigaon
November 20: The Assam State AIDS Control Committee, in collaboration with the Prisons Department of the Government of Assam and the Morigaon District Administration, launched a state-level integrated campaign today focused on sexually transmitted infections, HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis for prisons and other correctional facilities in the state. The campaign was inaugurated by Morigaon District Commissioner Devashish Sharma, who emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and other health issues.
During the campaign launch, the District Commissioner highlighted that AIDS, hepatitis, and other diseases can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. He urged people not to conceal symptoms of these diseases and instead consult a doctor. Additionally, he encouraged individuals with persistent coughs to seek immediate medical attention, as this could be a sign of tuberculosis. The District Commissioner also cautioned against the use of narcotics, emphasizing the dire consequences it can have on health.
He stressed that creating awareness and educating people about such diseases is essential to free society from the horrors of diseases like AIDS. He called on prisoners at the district jail to remain vigilant against these diseases upon their release and lead normal lives like other members of society.
Dr. Fani Pathak, Joint Director of Health Services in Morigaon District, emphasized the need for widespread awareness about sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and HIV. The month-long campaign aims to conduct tests for these diseases and raise awareness in various prisons, state houses, correctional facilities, and shelters throughout Assam. Dr. Pathak noted that residents of such facilities often lack proper diagnosis and treatment due to a lack of awareness or coordination, emphasizing the importance of creating awareness to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The meeting also featured the insights of senior journalist Pratap Hazarika, who emphasized the importance of open communication with doctors in the healthcare sector.
Dr. Krishna Kemprai, State Nodal Officer of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme, and Dr. Randwip Neog, Consultant of the National Tuberculosis Eradication Program (WHO), along with several senior doctors, addressed the meeting. Additional District Commissioner Dyutibha Bora, Superintendent of District Prisons Hriday Kumar Das, Superintendent of Morigaon Civil Hospital Dr. Arun Nath, District Tuberculosis Officer Amarjyoti Deka, District Prison Jailor Santosh Goswami, and numerous doctors, prison officers, workers, and prisoners attended the event.