Agartala Diocese Gives Platform to Doctors on World AIDS Day

Believers Church Agartala Diocese’s Minor Seminary, Bridge of Hope and diocesan office teamed up to observe World AIDS Day on 1 December 2012. .

Dr. Ratiranjan Debbarma (Kherengbar Hospital, Khumulwng) specially attended the church’s program to address the people who gathered. He stated that many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, we understand so much more about the condition and there are laws to protect people living with HIV. But despite this, people do not know how to protect themselves and others from HIV, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with the disease.

He explained the importance of World AIDS Day in reminding the public and government that HIV has not gone away. There is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education. Dr. Ratiranjan also elaborated on this year’s World AIDS Day theme: Getting to zero: zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths.

The participants then marched in an awareness rally from the program meeting area to Kherengbar Hospital through the streets.

World AIDS Day programs took place at various Bridge of Hope project centers. Dr. Mongal Jamatia of Primary Health Centre, Pitra-Thaiplo encouraged the people at one center to care for their health and treat HIV patients with respect and understanding.

Elsewhere, Dr. Anut Debbarma shared that millions have died of HIV, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. He led a discussion on how things have changed over the years in terms of diagnosis, treatments and stigma and what are likely to be future challenges. He said that although World AIDS Day is a great opportunity to get the public talking about HIV and raising funds, we need to remember the importance of raising HIV awareness all year round.

Bridge of Hope project centers organized mass rallies with hundreds of people and placards. The signs said things like, “You can now get tested for HIV using a saliva sample,” “There is no vaccine and no cure for HIV,” “Avoid premarital sex,” “Use condom,” “Test blood before transfusion,”

Believers Church observes World AIDS Day in hundreds of communities each year. Thousands discover the seriousness of the disease and the importance of prevention.