CHANDIGARH: National Conference AIDSCON 12, organized by Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society was inaugurated today Sh. Yashpal Garg, Secretary Health with Sh. Akhil Kumar IAS, Additional Secretary Health, and Dr. Suman Singh, Director Health Services.
Dr. V. K. Nagpal, Project Director, Chandigarh SACS informed that Chandigarh is the only State in the country which is organizing this National Conference regularly since past eleven years. More than 350 people have registered for this two day Conference. Speakers from Global Organizations like FHI-360, IPPF, PATH, NARI, Plan India, Humsafar Trust, NCPI+, Indian Drug Users Forum, National Network of Transgender Persons, India HIV/AIDS Alliance, UNICEF will present their research work, learning and will share their experiences during AIDSCON-12.
Secretary Health Chandigarh informed that Chandigarh is ranked no. 1 in India for the achievements against key performance indicators pertaining to prevention, care and support. However, there is always a need of improvement in implementation of any programme. He motivated the participants to put in their best efforts in whatever activity they do. He said that one should be honest towards their jobs and should implement their works with full dedications. Sh. Yashpal Garg appreciated the efforts of Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society for organizing AIDSCON 12.
Dr. Suman Singh, Director Health Services UT, Chandigarh acknowledged the presence of officers from National AIDS Control Organization and various other SACS across India for contributing by sharing their experiences towards fighting the battle of HIV/AIDS. She said that together we can and we should work towards an AIDS Free World and for this lets join hands together.
Dr. V. K. Nagpal, Project Director, Chandigarh SACS informed that total 10 sessions on different important topics will take place namely NACP-V response to end HIV Epidemic by 2030, Addressing un-met SRHR needs of key population and PLHIV communities, Prevention of transmission of HIV: Role of IEC & Mainstreaming, Addressing unmet health and welfare needs of key population, Recent advances in diagnosis & management of HIV, Experiences with Key Population, Free Papers – Medical & Social, Self-Testing - Experiences and Challenges in India, Reaching the last mile – Good practices for prevention of HIV among KPs, Blood Safety.
The Conference would continue for second day on 11th March, 2023.
Dr. Bhawna Rao, Deputy Director (IEC & Lab Services), National AIDS Control Organization, Govt. of India, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi, Dr Bitra George, Country Director, India FHI 360, Dr. S. Chitradevi, Project Director, Pondicherry State AIDS Control Society and Dr. V. K. Nagpal, Project Director, Chandigarh SACS, Chandigarh were also present during the event.