SHIMLA-1 December, 2024-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over the 37^th World AIDS Day programme organized in Shimla today, observed under the theme “Take the Right Path.” During the event, the Chief Minister launched the ‘Car Bin’ initiative to promote HIV awareness and cleanliness. In the first phase, 4,000 taxis would be equipped with these bins free of charge, with plans to cover all 30,000 taxis in the state in a phased manner.

The Chief Minister said that the state has taken significant steps in the past two years to address HIV and improve overall healthcare. He said that targeted individuals were being provided with equal access to awareness, testing and medication. In 2024 alone, 8 lakh people were made aware of HIV and from January 2023 to October 2024, 234 testing camps were organized, with a record 5,92,902 individuals tested for HIV. He said that the state currently has 55 testing and counselling centers along with two mobile testing vehicles offering free HIV testing services.

The Chief Minister gave the “3-G Formula” for HIV prevention, "Get Aware, Get Tested and Get Victory over HIV". He urged the youth to adopt this principle and contribute in raising awareness. Sh. Sukhu said “Young people must be made aware of HIV so that they could encourage others in their communities to voluntarily undergo for HIV testing. He calls to ensure greater youth participation in initiatives such as the Red Ribbon Clubs.”

He also assured that HIV-positive individuals would be provided free treatment and medications through Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centers immediately after detection. Presenstly 5,897 individuals in the state are availing free treatment and medication facilities. He expressed concern over the link between substance abuse, syringe use and the spread of HIV. “The rising issues of drug use among the youth and substance abuse through syringes deeply concern us, which leads a serious impact on the future of our coming generations,” he added.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that HIV was not just a health challenge but also a socio-economic issue. He called for a united effort from all departments, institutions, educational bodies, representatives and community members to end discrimination and create widespread awareness. “Together, we will defeat HIV and gift our youth an HIV-free Himachal,” he added.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil reaffirmed the commitment of the present state government regarding eliminating HIV through continuous awareness programmes. He said that initiatives such as village outreach campaigns and social media awareness drives were being conducted to make people aware about HIV. Apart from this a toll-free helpline, 1097 has been started to provide accurate information on HIV. He emphasized the importance of identifying HIV-positive individuals early to ensure timely treatment. He also highlighted the significance of a healthy society in building a robust nation.

Earlier, the Chief Minister flagged off awareness marathon from his official residence, Oak Over which was concluded at Hotel Peterhoff. The winners of the marathon were felicitated by the Chief Minister. A cultural programme promoting HIV awareness was also presented during the event.

MLA Suresh Kumar, former Speaker Gangu Ram Musafir, APMC Shimla Chairman Deva Nand Verma, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap and Project Director of the AIDS Control Society Rajeev Kumar were also present on the occasion.