Srinagar, Aug 12: The Jammu & Kashmir AIDS Control Society has initiated a two-month-long Intensified IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) Campaign focused on HIV/AIDS awareness across the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
In Jammu, the main event took place at Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, while in Kashmir, the launch was held at Government College of Education, M.A. Road, Srinagar. In Ladakh, the campaign was kicked off with activities at GDC Leh and the University of Ladakh.
The launch event in Kashmir was inaugurated by Dr Abdul Rouf Bhat, Project Director of J&K AIDS Control Society, with Dr Seema Naz, Nodal Principal of Kashmir Division Colleges, also in attendance. In Jammu, Dr Manu Bhatnagar, Additional Director of J&K AIDS Control Society, and Dr S.P. Saraswat, Nodal Principal of Jammu Division Colleges, led the inauguration. Prof S.K. Mehta, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, inaugurated the campaign at the University, joined by Dr Jigmat Dachen, Dean of Students Welfare, and Dr Yangchan Dolma, Principal and Director of Colleges, Ladakh, at GDC Leh.
The campaign includes various activities such as Walkathons, Poster Making Competitions, Debates, Slogan Writing, Placard Making, Folk Performances, and Skits. These activities, along with awareness generation efforts by Targeted Intervention (TI) NGOs and Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers (ICTCs), are being conducted across the regions to mark the launch.
In addition to on-ground activities, a social media campaign has been launched across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Awareness messages are also being disseminated through cinema halls, print media, and electronic media. The campaign will continue for two months, featuring regular awareness initiatives.
The launch events were highlighted by cultural performances, including Saraswati Vandana, folk dances, skits, and student-led dance performances. Participants were felicitated by the chief guests at each location, with mementoes presented to dignitaries as a token of appreciation.
