Officials wave a flag to officially flag off a rally and awareness ride as part of the Intensified IEC Campaign 3.0 in Mon on October 5.
Mon, October 5 (MExN): The District Integrated Strategy for HIV/AIDS (DISHA), Mon, organised a bike rally involving 34 bikers on Sunday as part of the Intensified IEC Campaign 3.0 to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS and encourage the community to adopt informed, responsible and safe practices.
The rally was organised as a public outreach activity to take the HIV/AIDS awareness message beyond institutional settings and directly into the community.
Before flagging off the rally, DPO DISHA Longyim Tzudir expressed gratitude to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Mon, for continued support towards programmes and activities undertaken under DISHA.
He also thanked the participants and traffic personnel for supporting the rally and highlighted its purpose while briefing the gathering on various activities being carried out under the Intensified IEC Campaign 3.0.
Tzudir also explained the rally route, which commenced from the CMO Office, proceeded through the bazaar area and New Site, covered identified transit points and returned to the CMO Office.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Supongmenla Walling, CMO, Mon, emphasised the importance of being aware and responsible in every aspect of life.
Drawing an analogy with road safety, she said people are reminded to remain alert and follow traffic rules while riding a bike for their own safety. In the same way, she stressed the need for people to be aware of HIV/AIDS, its prevention and transmission, and the importance of seeking timely information and support.
She encouraged the participants to carry the message forward and share HIV/AIDS awareness information with the wider community to promote greater awareness and understanding.
The programme included a prayer by YP David Konyak, Chaplain, DH, following which Walling flagged off the rally.
The participants proceeded along the designated route carrying IEC messages and banners to reinforce the campaign's message among the public.
Following the rally, Deputy Commissioner Wennyei Konyak, NCS, stopped by while on his way to the office as participants were preparing for a group photograph. He joined them for the photograph and encouraged the department to intensify its efforts to spread HIV/AIDS awareness across the community.
The rally brought together health officials, DISHA personnel, traffic personnel and community participants as part of the Intensified IEC Campaign 3.0, reinforcing the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, safety and responsible health-seeking behaviour.
