Agartala , Jul 05, 2024, Rashmi Shil

Agartala Jul 05: Aiming to fight HIV/AIDS which seems to have become a major health issue in the state, a larger alliance encompassing all sections of the society is utmost important.

It is high time to be proactive and not just sit back to see the number of active cases rising every day, that too alarmingly.

Noting that the media and the journalists across Tripura can play an important role in creating awareness about the infection and its management, Tripura AIDS Control Society in collaboration with Tripura Web Media Forum jointly organized a one- day program on the ‘Role of Journalists in AIDS Control” on Friday at the Sukanta Academy Auditorium.

The session aimed to realize the journalists to be at the forefront of the fight against the infection while taking up the special responsibility of informing the public with right information.

At the beginning of the day’s workshop, Dr Samarpita Dutta, Project Director, Tripura AIDS Control Society delivered the welcome address emphasizing the growing concern over AIDS among the youth and children due to addiction.

She warned that this disease could have severe consequences for the next generation, urging all the members of the media fraternity to actively participate in creating awareness about AIDS prevention.

Professor Dr Sanjib Debbarma, Director, Health Services, echoed these sentiments. He stressed that lack of awareness contributes to the spread of AIDS and called upon journalists to use their platforms to educate the public.

The joint director of the health department, Soumitra Mallick, led a discussion on the specific role journalists can play in controlling the epidemic.

Tripura Journalist Union President Pranab Sarkar urged the journalists to play an active role in educating and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS in their own areas across the state.

Tripura Web Media Forum Secretary, Abhishek Dey in his address expressed gratitude towards the organizers for organizing the day’s valuable workshop.

In the second part of the workshop, the Technical Session saw detailed, elaborative and informative discussion various topics including Basic on HIV/AIDS by Resource Person Dr Kanak Choudhury, Deputy Medical Superintendent, AGMC, Overall scenario of HIV/AIDS in Tripura by Subhrajit Bhattacharjee, Joint Director, IEC, TSACS, Ethical issues of specialized Reporting by Resource Person Dr Biswendu Bhattacharjee, Principal Correspondent, The Times of India and Ethical issues of specialized Reporting by Resource Person, Manas Paul, Executive Editor, Tripura Times.

While Dr Kanak Choudhury discussed the medical issues related to the infection, its symptoms and cure, Resource Person Manas Paul highlighted that the media is an influential and far reaching stakeholder given that every news item on this sensitive topic must be written, telecasted or published after having a thorough knowledge of the Laws framed in this context.

“Journalists can stimulate open and vibrant public debate about issues that underpin the HIV/AIDS pandemic, such as unequal gender relations, social inequalities, stigma and cultural norms, and they are uniquely placed to help break the silence”, said the Executive Editor, Tripura Times.

The event also honoured Poppy Sinha who has overcome AIDS and now leads an independent and self-reliant life.

Besides, a sensitive documentary on AIDS named “AFTERMATH”, created by filmmaker Birat Roy Chowdhury in collaboration with local artists was screened.

The workshop aimed to empower journalists with accurate information and encourage them to contribute actively to AIDS control efforts in Tripura.