CS KANWAR ,Kurukshetra,Dec.9 : The Principal Secretary & Financial Commissioner, Health & Family Welfare, Haryana, Mrs. Navraj Nain Sandhu has called upon the youth to come forward for the speedy awareness programme against the AIDS. She was addressing the inaugural function of the two days Kurukshetra Publicity Campaign Red Ribbon Express Train halting at Platform No. 1 Kurukshetra Junction here today.
Mrs. Sandhu disclosed that the third phase of the red ribbon express train was launched on 12 January 2012 on the occasion of International Youth day. To break the silence surrounding the issue of HIV/ AIDS by taking message on prevention, treatment, care and support this would mainstream the issue through 23 states halting at over 162 stations across the country, she further disclosed.
Talking about the aim and theme, she said that to create an environment free of stigma and discrimination faced by the people living with HIV/ AIDS would provide access of services without fear and prejudice. The special adequate efforts have been made to mobilize adolescents and youth through the publicity material and technical guidelines provided in the train, Mrs. Sandhu added.
The Principal Secretary & Financial Commissioner, Health & Family Welfare, Haryana further stated that the communication material regarding the AIDS and other diseases made available in the train for more interactive and youth friendly with provision of relevant services. Disseminating information regarding primary prevention and services, she said that there was dire and fire need of the hour, to developing an understanding about the infection to reduce stigma and discrimination of people under threat of HIV/ AIDS to bring them in the main stream of the society.
Mrs. Sandhu has lauded the role and arrangements made by district administration and health department for the grand show of red ribbon express in Kurukshetra with the target of 25000 visitors in two days. She called upon the youth of Kurukshetra for the maximum participation in the red ribbon programme.
Earlier, talking to the media persons Mrs. Sandhu disclosed that state government has approved the project to establish Govt. nursing college at a cost of Rs. 5 Crores. The other formalities related to this project were being completed, she added.She has also awarded the school children for their best participation in poster making and slogan competition on the occasion.
The Deputy Commissioner Mr. Mandip Singh Brar told that the best efforts had been ensured for maximum participation of the people to visit red ribbon express. To save the girl child would be the theme of the Kurukshetra Utsav Gita Jayanti Celebration this year, he added. The Asst. Project Director of State Aids Control Society Mr. Vijay Garg and Civil Surgeon Mrs. Vandana Bhatia also spoke on the occasion. Mr. Rakesh Arya, Superintendent of Police and other officer including the municipal councilors and social worker plus para-mediacal staff were present.