Chandigarh school teenagers will be sensitized against HIV/AIDS
Like some other states, the AIDS epidemic has made inroads into the general public in Chandigarh and Punjab.
A close analysis of available data reveals that the HIV positive prevalence rate is quite high among 15-24 age group and account for 40 per cent of all adult HIV infection, it is way above the national figure.
To address the issue, the Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society in collaboration with other social organizations including Inner Wheel Club, Midtown, Indian Council of Social Welfare, Punjab Branch, IMA’s Mission Pink Health and Department of School Education launched series of programs to sensitize school teenagers on November 5 last.
Today was the seven program of the series organized at GMSSS, Sector 8. Program was attended by the expert teams above mentioned organizations. The series will continue till the coverage of all the schools of Chandigarh.
In all the schools, average 70 to 80 senior students of 9th to 12th class, from each school, will be sensitized.
They were educated about the self protection and safety of young children, modes of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention and were motivated to inculcate safe and healthy lifestyles.
Boys and girls were taught to respect each other and to report about any ill-behaviour by strangers or friends in society. A short tele film “KOMAL” was screened to address the issue of “good touch and bad touch”.
Aims at educating senior students about difference between gender and sex, prevention of child abuse, tips of personal hygiene, menstruation hygiene and reproductive health including learning of good and bad touch and self care in crisis, prevention of HIV/AIDS and lessons on ‘life skill education.’
Young generation has always remained the icon to bring big changes in society because of their risk taking aptitude.
Various researchers also indicate that young people are at higher side of HIV/AIDS vulnerability because of their own careless behavior or gap in knowledge for hygienic and healthy life style.
Chandigarh school teenagers will be sensitized against HIV/AIDS
Students were made aware about HIV/AIDS Toll Free Helpline 1097 and Child Helpline 1098. At the end of the program, an interactive session was conducted in which the experts answered the queries of students.
