The Sikkim State AIDS Control Society (SACS) convened the 1st Meeting of the State Council of AIDS (SCA) on October 5, 2024, at Samman Bhawan, chaired by the Hon’ble Chief Minister, who also serves as the Chairperson of the SCA. In his keynote address, the Chief Minister reiterated his administration’s strong commitment to supporting People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and called on all government departments to actively collaborate in mainstreaming HIV/AIDS initiatives. He urged collective efforts to halt the spread of HIV and work toward the ambitious goal of making Sikkim a HIV/AIDS-free state.
The meeting witnessed participation from key stakeholders, including Hon’ble Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and Heads of Departments (HODs) from various sectors, all united in their commitment to mainstream HIV/AIDS interventions across government initiatives.
The program began with a welcome address delivered by Shri M. Bharani Kumar, IAS, Secretary of the Health Department, who set the stage for discussions on strengthening Sikkim’s response to HIV/AIDS.
Following the welcome, Dr. Deki Wangmu Phempu, Project Director of Sikkim SACS, presented a comprehensive overview of the National AIDS Control Program – Phase V, highlighting the state’s progress and future strategies for combating HIV/AIDS.
Ms. Namrata Sharma, AD/Mainstreaming, then gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the significance of “Mainstreaming and Partnership” and the critical role of the State Council on AIDS in fostering a coordinated response to the epidemic.
The program concluded with an address by the Hon’ble Health Minister, Shri G.T. Dhungel, who emphasized the importance of inter-departmental cooperation and the need to intensify efforts to reduce new infections, promote awareness, and provide comprehensive care and support for PLHIV in Sikkim.
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