23/08/2025
Intensified HIV/AIDS IEC Campaign Launched in Sikkim
Gangtok, Aug 23: A two-month-long Intensified IEC Campaign on HIV/AIDS was launched today at Manan Kendra, with a series of awareness activities organised by the Sikkim State AIDS Control Society (SSACS). Health Minister G.T. Dhungel inaugurated the campaign by flagging off a bike rally, which saw enthusiastic participation from members of the Sikkim Physiotherapists Association.
As part of the programme, an inter-college quiz competition was held, where Science College, Chakhung, emerged victorious, securing a cash prize of ₹30,000. DIET College, Gangtok, and Sikkim Professional College of Nursing, Budang, bagged the second and third positions respectively, while Skill Campus, Namchi, stood fourth.
Adding vibrancy to the event, artistes from Dynamic Flickers Dance Academy performed a powerful theme-based dance on HIV/AIDS awareness. Musical highlights included a soulful performance by Lasomung Kup, a Lepcha band from Dzongu, and a lively concert by Mizoram’s popular band, Even Flow, which kept the audience enthralled.
Speaking on the occasion, SSACS Project Director Dr. Diki Phempu Bhutia underlined that the two month long Nationwide Intensified IEC campaign aims to reach every nook and corner up to the GPU level and spread awareness via social media, mid media, door to door campaign etc. The basics of HIV/AIDS is still an unknown topic to many so via this campaign, SSACS under the aegis of NACO aims to impart awareness.
Advisor to the Health Department TT Bhutia stressed that “the first step to sensitisation is awareness” and praised SSACS for its dedicated efforts.
Also present at the event were Health Secretary Tsewang Gyachho, Advisor Ayush A.K. Ghatani, Manoj Pradhan (Chairman, Ayush), Deena Chettri (OSD, Health), along with other dignitaries.
