DISHA Mon organises a bike rally to spread awareness of HIV & AIDS prevention and promote safe health practices.
DIMAPUR — As part of the Intensified the information, education and communication (IEC) Campaign 3.0, the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA), Mon, organised a bike rally involving 34 bikers on October 5 to spread awareness on HIV & AIDS and encourage the community to adopt informed, responsible, and safe practices.
The rally served as a public outreach activity aimed at taking the message of HIV & AIDS awareness beyond institutional settings and directly into the community, according to an update.
Before flagging off the rally, District Programme Officer of DISHA Longyim Tzudir expressed his gratitude to the chief medical officer (CMO) of Mon for his continued support towards programmes and activities undertaken under DISHA. He also thanked all participants and traffic personnel for supporting the rally.
Tzudir highlighted the purpose of the rally and briefly apprised of the gathering of the various activities being carried out under the Intensified IEC Campaign 3.0. He further explained the route of the rally, which commenced from the CMO office, proceeded through the bazaar area and New Site, covered the identified transit points, and returned to the CMO office.
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Addressing the gathering, CMO Mon Dr. Supongmenla Walling stressed the importance of being aware and responsible in every aspect of life. Drawing an analogy with road safety, she said that while riding a bike, people are reminded to remain alert and follow traffic rules for their own safety.
In the same way, she noted that people need to be aware of HIV & AIDS, its prevention, transmission, and the importance of seeking timely information and support. She encouraged the participants to carry the message forward and share HIV & AIDS awareness information with the wider community so that greater awareness and understanding can be created.
The programme also included a prayer by Chaplain of District Hospital YP David Konyak, following which the CMO flagged off the bike rally. The participants then proceeded along the designated route, carrying IEC messages and banners to reinforce the campaign message among the public.