The three months Integrated Health Campaign (IHC) organised by the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, Shillong in collaboration with the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District & the office of the District Medical & Health Officer (DM&HO), East Jaintia Hills District was today launched by Sutnga-Saipung MLA, Smti. Santa Mary Shylla at a programme held at the Community Hall of Dkhiah East Village, East Jaintia Hills District.
The launch programme was also attended by Assistant Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. F Wann, Project Director, Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, Shillong, Dr K.L Iawbor, District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. R Bareh, Secretary District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), East Jaintia Hills District, Smti. B. Kharbithai, Block Development Officer (BDO) Saipung Block, Dr R. Pyrtuh, Block Development Officer (BDO) Lumshnong, C&RD Block, Shri M. Kyndait, other health officials and people of the area.
Addressing the gathering, Sutnga Saipung MLA, Smti Santa Mary Shylla stated that the Integrated Health Campaign (IHC) is one of the most significant health initiatives for the people of the district as it provides a wide range of essential health services and screening facilities free of cost in the interest of public health and well-being even as she noted that HIV testing is among the most important services being offered under the campaign, as early detection is crucial in enabling the concerned department to prevent and control the spread of the disease in the district.
Smti. Shylla also pointed that HIV weakens the body’s immune system, making an individual more vulnerable to various infections and diseases. She also stressed the importance of establishment of an Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centre in the district and said that the continued spread of HIV is largely due to ignorance, misconceptions, stigma and discrimination which discourage many people from voluntarily coming forward for testing.
Additionally, Shylla underscored that preventing the spread of HIV requires the collective responsibility and concerted efforts of all stakeholders and urged everyone to eliminate stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and appealed to the public to actively support the efforts of the concerned department in combating and eventually eliminating the disease from the district.
Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills District, Smti F. Wann, expressed her gratitude to the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society for organising the Integrated Health Campaign, stating that the initiative would greatly benefit the people of the district by providing a wide range of essential health services free of cost.
While explaining the rationale behind conducting the campaign, she said that East Jaintia Hills is among the districts most vulnerable to HIV, however, despite being identified as one of the red-flag districts, many people are still reluctant to know their HIV status due to fear, misconceptions and social stigma. She therefore urged the public to change their mindset towards HIV and AIDS and to come forward for voluntary testing without hesitation.
Smti. Wann, further stated that one of the major challenges faced by the concerned department in tackling the disease is the unwillingness of people to know their HIV status even as she encouraged the people to avail themselves of the various services being offered through the Integrated Health Campaign (IHC), emphasizing that early detection and timely intervention are essential in preventing the further spread of HIV.
Smti Wann also stressed that the success of the campaign does not depend on the efforts of a single department alone but requires the collective participation of all line departments, NGOs, community-based organisations, faith-based organisations and members of the public. She underscored the important role of community leaders, religious leaders and Self-Help Groups in creating awareness and motivating people to voluntarily undergo HIV testing.
It may be mentioned that the Integrated Health Campaign (IHC) is being organised with the objective of bringing essential healthcare services closer to the people, particularly those residing in remote areas. The campaign also adopts a community-based and integrated approach by delivering multiple essential health services under single platform, making healthcare more accessible, convenient and people centred.
The services available under the Integrated Health Campaign include screening for tuberculosis (TB), diabetes, HIV, syphilis, eye-related ailments, dental diseases and other non-communicable diseases. Aadhaar enrolment, MHIS Smart Card enrolment and various other public welfare services are also being provided to facilitate access to essential government services.
