Guv AK Bhalla Leads International Youth Day 2025 Celebrations in Imphal; Launches TB Screening Initiative and Bike Rally

Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, today, graced the observance of International Youth Day 2025 held at the City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, Imphal. The day observed under the theme ‘Local Youth Action for SDGs and Beyond’ was organised by the Manipur State AIDS Control Society. Governor also launched the two-month Intensified IEC Campaign and flagged off a bike rally. During the event, Governor distributed AI-assisted portable X-ray machines, which will be used for TB screening. These machines were distributed under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan scheme.

Speaking at the event, Governor said the International Youth Day is dedicated to recognising the energy, creativity, and leadership of young people. He emphasised that local youth action is vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tackling global challenges such as climate change and health crises. Empowering youth at the community level, he noted, is essential as they are agents of change who can innovate and inspire their peers to find solutions.

Governor further stressed that in the context of HIV/AIDS prevention, collaboration between government departments, NGOs, and civil society organisations is crucial for raising awareness, combating stigma, and ensuring access to essential services such as HIV/AIDS testing and treatment.

Chief Secretary, Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel said the campaign is being undertaken to change mindsets, build trust, and protect the dignity and rights of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. Awareness and literacy are being promoted through activities in schools, villages, hospitals, and health camps so that stigma and discrimination can be replaced with understanding and solidarity. He urged to achieve the 95-95-95 goal for HIV control within this year. He appealed to all stakeholders to work collectively to transform awareness into action, replace stigma with solidarity, and turn silence into support.

Commissioner (H&FW) and President of Manipur State AIDS Control Society, Sumant Singh, said, the Intensified IEC Campaign aims to increase comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS, promotion of HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 to address stigma and discrimination towards people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

He also stated that the State Government is working to meet the NACO (National AIDS Control Organization)'s target for 2030, which is to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic as a public health threat. On Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, Sumant Singh, said, the AI-assisted portable X-ray machines will significantly help health care workers in the state in early detection and treatment of TB patients. The event saw participation from officials of the Health Department and other government departments. (DIPR)