Imphal, November 24 2009: Health Minister Ph Parijat has launched a statewide multi-media campaign on HIV/AIDS awareness to youths at Hotel Classic located at North AOC here today.

The awareness campaign on HIV/AIDS through multi-media including songs, sports and mass media was organised by the Manipur AIDS Control Society (MACS) under the aegis of National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO).

The campaign will cover youths between the age group of 15-29 .

The inaugural programme was graced by Health Minister Ph Parijat; Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare and president of MACS, V Vumlunmang, IAS; Team Leader of NACO, Dr Rochana Mitra; Project Director of MACS, PK Jha, IAS; Project Director (Technical) of MACS, Dr Pramodkumar as the chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kh Pramodkumar noted that prevalence of HIV/AIDS is highest in Manipur among the six Indian states listed as the highest rate of HIV/AIDS prevalence.

He said, the campaign will mostly focus on the youths of thestate.

He said, local celebrities will be engaged to campaign among the youths through music concert, sports (mostly football), radio, TV, newspapers.

He said, music concerts and football matches will be organised at the district-level in December as a part of the campaign.

Song-compose competition, with the message on HIV/AIDS awareness, will be part of the campaign.

Health Minister Ph Parijat said, all concerned need to take part in fighting the dreaded disease.

The involvement of all concerned for the reduction of HIV/AIDS patients is called for.

Selected Musicians and crooners of the state would be engaged to carry the message of HIV/AIDS awareness throughout the state by crowning them the 'Manipur Idol' titles.

He said, as a part of the campaign, the CC Meet tournament, the biggest football tournament of the state, would be named Red Ribbon Sir Churachand Singh KCS-CBE Memorial Football Meet in collaboration with the All Manipur Football Association.

All the players of the tournament will pledge to carry and spread the message for the prevention of HIV/AIDS before the beginning of every match.

Singers will perform with a message for the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Pamphlets and booklets on HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness will be distributed to all spectators of all matches.

Spectators will be given red ribbon embossed paper caps and all the players will be given T-shirts imprinted with red-ribbon.

Red Ribbon Clubs, NSS volunteers, and NYK volunteers will participate in the multi-media campaign.

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