“Getting to Zero” in Tinsukia

Believers Church Tinsukia Diocese observed World AIDS Day on 1st December 2012. The theme was, “Getting to zero: zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, zero AIDS related deaths.”

Bridge of Hope centers in Tinsukia aimed to bring awareness about how HIV is transmitted, prevention methods and what it’s like to live with AIDS. Society often discriminates against HIV-positive people and Believers Church is working to change attitudes and behavior.

Each Bridge of Hope project center held an awareness rally. Banner, placards, posters and leaflets educated local communities. Parents also gathered in the centers to hear medical professionals such as Dr. Ono Yosow (Medical Officer, St. Luke Hospital Chabua) or Dr. A.K. Sen speak on HIV/AIDS.

They described the HIV epidemic, its spread and symptoms, and shared about the free treatments and antiviral medicines available at government hospitals. The doctors also eased unnecessary fear by explaining that HIV/AIDS does not spread through social interaction.

This teaching was supplemented with an awareness video at one project center.

The World AIDS Day programs reached a total of 850 local people. Many in Tinsukia’s tea gardens have never learned the truth about this disease. Believers Church is working here, as in many other communities, to improve health awareness and “get to zero.”