Latest news with #RedRibbonClubs


Time of India
26-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Himachal CM flags off 12 e-scooters to reach out to HIV, TB, hepatitis patients
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday flagged off 12 e-scooters from his residence. These e-scooters have been provided to the Health department through the State AIDS Control Society and would be deployed across eight districts of the state, a release said. It said the initiative aims to deliver doorstep medical services including delivery of medicines, screening and counselling services to patients suffering from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Sexually Transmitted Infection (SITs), Tuberculosis (TB) and Hepatitis. This is the first time such a dedicated and humanitarian outreach model was being implemented in the state to ensure that no individual was deprived of essential treatment. This initiative would ensure the continuity of medication and significantly contribute to achieving viral load suppression among patients, thereby enabling them to live healthier and longer lives, the release said. Commending the State AIDS Control Society and the Health department for this initiative, the Chief Minister said Red Ribbon Clubs, youth, educational institutions and non-governmental organizations have played a vital role in raising sustained awareness about HIV. "Making Himachal Pradesh HIV-free was our collective responsibility. I am confident that these e-scooters would strengthen our ongoing efforts." He said that over 6,000 individuals were currently living with HIV in the State and most of whom have achieved viral load suppression, a testament to the success of the state government's policies and consistent efforts. He said that the State Government was promoting electric vehicles in the state for conservation of environment and providing e-scooters to the Health department was also a step in this direction. Health and Family Welfare Minister (Col.) DhRam Shandil said that the State AIDS Control Society was actively working through 471 Red Ribbon Clubs established in universities, colleges and industrial training institutes across the state. Additionally, the Adolescent Education Programme was being implemented in schools. The Department of Youth Services and Sports and the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan were also partnering to raise awareness about HIV among out-of-school youth.


United News of India
25-06-2025
- Health
- United News of India
CM flags off e-scooters to boost HIV and health outreach in Himachal
Shimla, 25 June (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today flagged off 12 e-scooters from his official residence, Oak Over, here. These scooters, provided to the Health Department through the Himachal Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, will be deployed across eight districts of the state to strengthen doorstep medical services. This first-of-its-kind initiative in Himachal aims to ensure uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services—such as medicine distribution, screening, and counseling—to patients suffering from HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Tuberculosis (TB), and Hepatitis. The programme seeks to improve treatment adherence and support viral load suppression among patients, ultimately enabling them to lead healthier, longer lives. Commending the initiative, the Chief Minister said, 'Red Ribbon Clubs, youth, educational institutions, and NGOs have played a crucial role in raising awareness about HIV. "Making Himachal Pradesh HIV-free is our shared responsibility. I am confident that these e-scooters will further strengthen our outreach and support mechanisms,' he said. He further said that over 6,000 people in the state are currently living with HIV, most of whom have achieved viral load suppression—a reflection of the government's sustained efforts and effective policies. The Chief Minister also emphasised that the promotion of electric vehicles in the state is aligned with the government's commitment to environmental conservation, and the deployment of e-scooters for health services is a step forward in this direction. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil added that the State AIDS Control Society is actively working through 471 Red Ribbon Clubs in universities, colleges, and industrial training institutes across the state. "The Adolescent Education Programme is also being implemented in schools. Additionally, the Department of Youth Services and Sports and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan are collaborating to spread awareness about HIV among out-of-school youth," he said. UNI XC SSP


Time of India
20-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Tripura CM mulls sex education in Class VIII-XII curriculum
Agartala: Tripura CM on Friday said the state govt is considering the introduction of sex education in the curriculum for students in Classes VIII to XII. Speaking at the legislative forum in the state assembly, Saha emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, "We are considering incorporating sex education and HIV/AIDS awareness in the school curriculum in Class VIII-XII. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This is not a matter of controversy, it is a necessity." He also encouraged community involvement, suggesting that MLAs could allocate funds to support HIV/AIDS patients. Saha highlighted the equal impact of HIV/AIDS on both boys and girls and stressed the importance of engaging youth in sports, cultural activities, and other creative pursuits to steer them away from drug addiction and reduce their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. He said Tripura was the first state in India to introduce Red Ribbon Clubs in schools and plans to create youth ambassadors to lead campaigns against drug abuse. Expressing concern over the rising number of HIV/AIDS cases and injecting drug users, particularly among teenagers, Saha said an average of 120 new HIV infections are reported each month in the state, despite preventive efforts by the state AIDS Control Society. In response to a proposal by Congress legislator Sudip Roybarman, the chief minister supported the idea of adding a dedicated chapter on sex education and HIV/AIDS to the school curriculum to raise awareness among the most vulnerable age group. Additionally, he suggested that each MLA could allocate Rs 1 lakh per year from their area development fund for initiatives against drugs and HIV.


The Hindu
17-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Scheme to grant monthly financial assistance to children affected by HIV/AIDS launched
The Health department on Tuesday launched one of its key budget announcements to grant monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000 to 7,618 children affected by HIV/AIDS for their education, medical and nutritional needs. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian, who launched the scheme at an event held to mark the World Blood Donors Day, said that during 2009-2010, former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had launched a trust fund for children affected by HIV/AIDS with a corpus of ₹5 crore. Through this, financial assistance was being provided every year for children aged below 18 years towards their education, medical and nutritional needs. This year, an announcement was made during the department's debate on the demand for grants for 2025-2026 to provide monthly assistance of ₹1,000 to children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Along with this, the department also launched 11 Red Ribbon Clubs to create awareness on HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections among college students. An announcement to create awareness of HIV/AIDS among adolescents - students of classes VIII, IX and XI in 9,830 schools in the State - was made earlier. In a step towards this, it was decided to impart life skills training to students of 100 schools. The initiative was launched in 11 schools on the occasion, a press release said.