Vol.

II Issue 1 April - June 2010

A Newsletter of the Assam State AIDS Control Society

Red Ribbon Express visits Assam

14
Activities of

STI Division

18

Activities of

Blood Safety Division

Inside Inside
Red Ribbon Express Concept of Red Ribbon Express visitsAssam IEC activities done to make the RRE a success Activities of IEC Division Training programme for cultural troupes of RRE Project Advocacy workshop for Deptt. of Home Advocacy workshop for Sports and Youth Welfare Department Advocacy workshop for Mediapersons Re-orientation programme on RRC Training of Trainers for RRE Project International Day against DrugAbuse and Illicit Trafficking observed Activities of Targeted Intervention Division Orientation programme for TI Project Evaluators Workshop on Project Proposal Development and NeedAssessment Monthly Review Meetings of TI Project Post-evaluation debriefing meeting of TI Projects Activities of STI Division Activities of Basic Services Division PPTCT Team training conducted Orientation Training on CPT-cum-quarteryly review meeting of Counselors Review meeting of Laboratory Technicians District-level HIV-TB training of Kamrup District nd 2 annual one-day full-site sensitization programme at Mirza CHC Sensitization-cum-Orientation Training on CPT Exposure visit, review of performance of Basic Services Division ofASACS by National Programme Officer, ICTC Full-site sensitization programme in Sipajhar Block Primary Health Centre Activities of Blood Safety Division Review meeting of counselors of Blood Banks Voluntary Blood Donation Camps World Blood Donor Day observed Supervisory / Monitoring visits State Blood Transfusion Council Meeting held 4-day National Level Workshop on Process of Quality of In-Charges SRL of North East Zone Review of Blood Safety activities and licensing status of Blood Banks of North East Region Activities of CST Division Capacity building training for Nurses on Care, Supprt and Treatment Supervisory / Monitoring visits 3 3 9 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 12 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 15 16 16 16 17 17 18 18 18 18 19 19 19 20 20 20 20

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From the Project Directors Desk

This issue brings to you happy tidings of the arrival of Red Ribbon Express in Assam on 17th June, 2010 coinciding with the celebration of Rongali Bihu and the onset of Assamese New Year. This wonderful train motivated a large section of the people who participated overwhelmingly in this successful awareness campaign on HIV/AIDS. The Red Ribbon Express generated compassion and brought the people closure to the reality of this epidemic through this mass awareness campaign. The Assam Network of Positive People which is the umbrella organization for people living with HIV/AIDS participated throughout the entire programme and thus helped to ameliorate the stigma and discrimination towards them. It was heartening to know that all people living with HIV/AIDS can work like any other people. The Assam State AIDS Control Society is striding forward for achieving the target and goal set under the aegis of NACP-III. During the 1st quarter, all activities under various components were being pursued vigorously with an effort and aim to fulfil our target within the stipulated time. I look forward to your valuable suggestions in the coming days in making this newsletter more informative and relevant.

Mrs. M. Hagjer Barman Project Director, ASACS

From the Editor's Desk

Discovered in 1981, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes AIDS has killed millions of people till date. Sadly, as of today there is no cure for AIDS although a number of medical researchers are burning the proverbial midnight oil to seek a cure. Palliative care can only ease the physical, mental and social pain the patients have to bear once they are diagnosed with AIDS. However, though we cannot cure AIDS once it has struck, we can certainly prevent it from striking. And given the way the virus gets transferred, preventing its spread a lot easier than with other major illness. To this extent, generating awareness about HIV/AIDS among the population assumes critical importance. Also, as the people get educated about HIV/AIDS, the social stigma associated with the disease is dispelled to a large extent. Keeping this in mind, the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) launched the Red Ribbon Express - an ambitious project in partnership with Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. It is a multi-sectoral project to spread awareness of HIV/AIDS and promote safe behavioural practice. After the seven coach train travelled across India and made the first phase successful, the second phase was flagged off on 1st December 2009, with a plan to cover 25000 kilometers in 2009-10, covering 160 districts, holding programmes in over 10000 villages across India. In Assam the Red Ribbon Express has been a great success in the first phase. To further augment the train's efforts to mobilize people's movement against HIV/AIDS, the Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS) organized various pre-arrival activities before the Express arrived in the state. The Red Ribbon Express was welcomed into Assam on 17th June 2010 at the Fakiragram Railway Station in Kokrajhar District. Then the Express went on to Bongaigaon, Rangia, Kamakhya, Chaparmukh, Lumding, Mariani and Tinsukia before it ended its campaign in the state on 6th July 2010. Over the days, the Express had more than 48 thousand visitors and reached out to more than 1 lakh 75 thousand viewers. Together with a slew of publicity initiatives across various media, I am sure the Red Ribbon Express has achieved its objective of generating awareness about HIV/AIDS, reducing social discrimination and mobilizing a movement against the disease. Apart from the Red Ribbon Express, ASACS have been active in its various training and intervention campaign. I sincerely believe that one day all the people of Assam will be fully aware of the dangers of HIV/AIDS and the easy steps that can be taken to prevent its spread. That will be the day when the state will take its first step towards curbing the spread of the virus and in effect begin to gradually win over it.

(Rakhi Chakravarty)

RED RIBBON EXPRESS VISITS ASSAM

The Red Ribbon Express (RRE) is an ambitious project which was started last year by the National AIDS Control Organization in partnership with the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation as a multi-sectoral project to spread awareness of HIV/AIDS and promote safe behavioral practice. The first phase had been a huge success not only all over the country, but in Assam the project did exceedingly well. The second phase was launched on 1st December, 2009 and was flagged off by honble Chairperson of the UPA Ms. Sonia Gandhi from Delhi to mainstream the issues of HIV/AIDS through the train. The Red Ribbon Express will travel across the entire nation and will cover 25,000 kms. during the year 20092010, covering about 160 districts/halt stations and hold programmes and activities in about 10,000 villages. Programme Officers of the Assam State AIDS Control Society visited all the districts concerned to assess the necessary support to District Level Observation Committees (DLOCs). The district administration was doing the pre-publicity of RRE in the local level through miking and community meeting in the nearby areas. Songs and Drama Division, Assam performed street plays in all the districts concerned ahead of the arrival of the train.

Concept of Red Ribbon Express:

The concept is a broad based multi-media, multisectoral mass mobilization project in the country to make it a holistic and comprehensive campaign to mobilize peoples movement against HIV/AIDS. The pre-arrival activities of Red Ribbon Express The Assam State AIDS Control Society organized various pre-arrival activities before arrival of the Red Ribbon Express in Assam : The pre-arrival programme of RRE was started with a preparatory orientation meeting held on 23rd March, 2010 at the office of the Project Director, A s s a m S t a t e A I D S C o n t r o l S o c i e t y. Representatives of different stakeholders of RRE attended the meeting. On 15th May, 2010, a meeting was held in the office of the Chief Secretary, Government of Assam. The State Level Observation Committee (SLOC) meeting of the Red Ribbon Express was chaired by the Chief Secretary. The Commissioners and Secretaries of Health and Family Welfare, Sports and Youth Welfare and Social Welfare and the Deputy Commissioners of the districts of Kamrup, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Nagaon, Jorhat and Tinsukia were present in the meeting. The representatives of NF Railway, Songs and Drama Division, NYK, NSS, DIPR and All India Radio also attended the meeting.

A series of training programme were held to train the volunteers/trainers, artistes, and others by the ASACS. Altogether 8 nos. of press conferences were organized to brief the media. The press conferences were held in all the districts headquarters concerned and was addressed by the Deputy Commissioners. The honble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the State-level press meet. The local media (print and electronic) played a very supportive role. They gave free publicity and it helped to create awareness about Red Ribbon Express project.

FAKIRAGRAM : (17-06-10 to 18-06-10)

The Red Ribbon Express train was welcomed in Assam at the Fakiragram Railway Station, Kokrajhar district. The following dignitaries were present in the inaugural programme : 1. Shri Hagrama Mohilari, Honble Chief Executive Member of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC);

The State Level Observation Committee meeting on Red Ribbon Express th held at the office of the Chief Secretary of Assam on 15 May, 2010

Vol. II, Issue 1, April - June 2010

Shri Hagrama Mohilary, honble Chief Executive Member of Bodoland Territorial Council inaugurating the RRE (Left) & Honble Minister for Agriculture, Govt. of Assam, Smt. Pramila Rani Brahma addressing the inaugural function (Right) at Fakiragram Railway Station on 17th June, 2010

2. Smt. Pramila Rani Brahma, Honble Minister, Agriculture, Assam 3. Shri Imanual Musahary, Executive Member, Health, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) 4. All the executive members of the Bodoland Territorial Council 5. Shri Jones Ingti Kathar, IAS, Principal Secretary, BTC; 6. Smt. M. Hagjer Barman, Project Director, Assam State AIDS Control Society; 7. ShriC.Narzary,ACS,DeputyCommissioner,Kokrajhar 8. Mr. Inkhuanguang, Zonal Director, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan 9. Dr. M.A. Rabha, Joint Director of Health, Kokrajhar 10. Dr. H.C. Barman, Joint Director (CST), Assam State AIDS Control Society. The inaugural programme was organized at the platform of the Fakiragram Railway Station at 9.30 a.m. on 17th June, 2010. Smt. Pramila Rani Brahma, Date 17-06-10 18-06-10 Visitors 8435 6039 Male 4765 3169 Female 3670 2870 Training Session 4 3

the Honble Minister, Agriculture, Govt. of Assam, attended the inaugural function. The Chief Executive Member of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), Shri. Hagrama Mohilary inaugurated the Red Ribbon Express train. All departmental heads of the district were also present in the function. The inaugural programme was a grand success and more than 9,000 people attended the programme. Shri M. Kumar, CEO, NACO, stated that the inaugural event at Fakiragram Railway Station saw the highest number of turn out on the first day so far in the country. He also stated that it was a positive sign for a State that promises to prevent the spread of HIV. The second day was also very successful with similar nos. of viewers. A valedictory function was also held on 18th June, 2010 and Shri Carol Narzary, ACS, the Deputy Commissioner of Kokrajhar addressed the meeting. Following are the reports of Red Ribbon Express at the Fakiragram Railway Station Attendant 208 179 Counseling 211 163 Testing 128 137 Outreach Viewers 7015 5927

BONGAIGAON : (19-06-2010 to 20-06-10)

The inaugural function of Red Ribbon Express at the Bongaigaon Railway Station was organized at the railway platform of Bongaigaon Railway Station. Honble Transport Minister of Assam Shri Chandan Brahma inaugurated the Red Ribbon Express in the Bongaigaon Railway Station.

The following dignitaries were present in the inaugural programme: 1. Shri Chandan Brahma, Honble Transport and Panchayat Minister of Assam; 2. Shri S. P. Gotmare, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Bongaigaon; 3. Smt. Marmie Hagjer Barman, Project Director,

Vol. II, Issue 1, April - June 2010

Bongaigaon; 5. Addl. Deputy Commissioner, Bongaigaon. 6. Dr. Firoj Ahmed, Ex-Joint Director of Health, Bongaigaon; 7. Members of Zila Parishad; 8. Dr. H.C. Barman, Joint Director (CST), Assam State AIDS Control Society; 9. Dr. P.D. Baruah, Consultant (PPTCT), Assam State AIDS Control Society The experience of RRE in the Bongaigaon Railway Station was excellent. Following are the reports of achievements of RRE at the Bongaigaon Railway Station: Attendant 174 147 Counseling 63 124 Testing 48 100 Outreach Viewers 15625 24571

Honble Transport Minister of Assam Shri. Chandan Brahma addressing the inaugural function of the Red Ribbon Express in the Bongaigaon Railway Station on 19th June, 2010

Assam State AIDS Control Society; 4. Shri T. P. Singh, Superintendent of Police, Date 19-06-10 20-06-10 Visitors 4025 4500 Male 2907 3089 Female 1118 1411 Training Session 4 3

RANGIA : (21-06-2010 to 22-06-2010)

In the Rangia Railway station, the RRE was exhibited on 21st and 22nd June, 2010. The inaugural ceremony for the Red Ribbon Express was conducted at the old Rangia Railway Platform. Honble MP of Rajya Sabha and Chairman of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, Shri Bhubaneswar Kalita inaugurated the Red Ribbon Express. The following guests attended the inaugural programme 1. Shri Bhubaneswar Kalita, Honble MPof Rajya Sabha 2. Smt. M. Hagjer Barman, Project Director, Assam State AIDS Control Society

3. Shri S.K. Roy, Deputy Commisoner, Kamrup 4. Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Rangia 5. DRM, N.F. Railway, Rangia Division 6. Dr. N.N Sonowal, Additional Project Director, Assam State AIDS Control Society 7. Smt. R. Chakrabarty, Joint Director (IEC), Assam State AIDS Control Society. Through the HIV testing, one person was detected as HIV positive and he was referred to nearby ICTC for further check-up and treatment. Following are the reports of RRE at the Rangia Railway Station -

Honble MP of Rajya Sabha and Chairman of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, Shri Bhubeneswar Kalita delivering his inaugural speech at Rangia Railway Station on 21st June, 2010 (left) and a section of people attended the programme (right)

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Date 21-06-10 22-06-10

Visitors 1667 1974

Male 1065 1230

Female 602 744

Training Session 3 3

Attendant 184 137

Counseling 72 71

Testing 69 65

Outreach Viewers 18737 15883

KAMAKHYA : (23-06-2010 to 24-06-2010)

The Red Ribbon Express train was welcomed in the State by the honble Chief Minister of Assam Shri Tarun Gogoi at Kamkhaya Railway Station, Kamrup(M). The inaugural programme was conducted at the Kamakhya Railway Station at 9.30 a.m. The dignitaries and VIPs present in the inaugural programme were: 1. Shri Tarun Gogoi, Honble Chief Minister of Assam; 2. Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Honble Health Minister of Assam; 3. Shri P. P. Verma, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Govt. of Assam; 4. Shri Siva Kumar, General Manager, N.F. Railway; 5. Shri Pratik. Hajela, Deputy Commisoner, Kamrup (M); 6. Smt. M. Hagjer Barman, Project Director, Assam State AIDS Control Society; 7. Shri Bilal Ahmed, National AIDS Control Organization (NACO); 8. Smt. Jeroo Master, Chief Field Officer, UNICEF; 9. Smt. Rochana Mitra, Team Leader, NACO-NERO. The Chief Minister of Assam highlighted the health situation of Assam and the role played by the Assam State AIDS Control Society to create mass awareness and intervention in the field of HIV/AIDS. The Health Minister of Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma described the present scenario of HIV and AIDS in Assam and how the State is considered as highly vulnerable though considered to be a low prevalence State in the context of HIV/ AIDS. The honble Chief Minister of Assam inaugurated and visited the Exhibition, Counseling and Training Coaches of the Red Ribbon Express. Following are the reports of RRE at the Kamakhya Railway Station Honble Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Tarun Gogoi addressing the inaugural function at Kamakhya Railway Station on 23rd June, 2010

Honble Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma addressing the inaugural function at Kamakhya Railway Station on 23rd June, 2010

Shri P.P. Verma, IAS, Addl. Chief Secretary, Health, Govt. of Assam, flagging off the Bus Caravan at Kamakhya Railway Station on 23rd June, 2010

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Date 23-06-10 24-06-10

Visitors 1945 1090

Male 1314 811

Female 631 279

Training Session 1 3

Attendant 75 130

Counseling 55 73

Testing 50 73

Outreach Viewers 12799 11168

CHAPARMUKH : (26-06-2010 to 28-06-2010)

The Red Ribbon Express was exhibited in the Chaparmukh Railway Station, Nagaon for three days from 26th to 28th June, 2010. Honble Forest and Tourism Minister of Assam Shri Roquibul Hussain inaugurated the train in the Chaparmukh Railway Station Following dignitaries attended the inaugural ceremony: 1. Shri Roquibul Hussain, Honble Forest and Tourisim Minister of Assam; 2. Shri Manish Thakur, Deputy Commissioner, Nagaon; 3. Shri Satish Kothari, ADRM, N. F.Railway; 4. Shri Sabitri Baruah, President, Zila Parisad, Nagaon; 5. Shri N. Baruah, Project Director, DRDA; 6. Shri Nitul Gogoi, Superintendent of Police, Nagaon district;
Honble Forest and Tourism Minister of Assam Shri Roquibul Hussain addressing the inaugural meeting at the Chaparmukh Railway Station on 26th June, 2010

7. Shri Kanak Kachari, ACS, CEO, Zila Parisad, Nagaon; 8. Shri Rakhi Chakrabarty, Joint Director (IEC), Assam State AIDS Control Society. Following are the reports of RRE at the Chaparmukh Railway Station -

(Left) Ms. Rakhi Chakravarty, Joint Director (IEC), ASACS addressing the open meeting at Chaparmukh on 26th June, 2010 and (right) a section of the gathering

Date 26-06-10 27-06-10 28-06-10*

Visitors 2301 2375 1213

Male 1550 1295 695

Female 751 1080 518

Training Session 2 3

Attendant 145 147

Counseling 114 111

Testing 95 83

Outreach Viewers 12791 13190 8570

(*The Training Coach (Coach-V) and Counseling Coach (coach-VI) was closed on 28th June, 2010).
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LUMDING : (29-06-2010 to 30-06-2010)

On 29th and 30th of June, 2010, the Red Ribbon Express was exhibited in the Lumding Railway Station, Nagaon. The inaugural programme was held at the Lumding Railway Station at 9.30 a.m. The SDO (Civil) of Hojai Shri Munin Sarmah inaugurated the train at Lumding Station. The following guests attended the inaugural programme 1. Shri Munin Sarmah, SDO (Civil), Hojai 2. Shri Harpal Singh, ADRM, Lumding Divison, N.F. Railway
The Civil SDO of Hojai, Shri Munin Sarmah inaugurating the RRE at Lumding Station on 29th June, 2010

3. Shri Manik Dey, Chairman, Lumding Municipality Board 4. Dr. N.N Sonowal, Additional Project Director, Assam State AIDS Control Society Through the HIV testing, two persons were detected as HIV positive and they were referred to nearby ICTC
Dr. N.N. Sonowal, Additional Project Director, ASACS addressing the inaugural function at Lumding Railway station on 29th June, 2010

for further check-up and treatment. Attendant 131 137 Counseling 96 97 Testing 66 62 Outreach Viewers 12038 4567

Date 29-06-10 30-06-10

Visitors 2954 2781

Male 2346 2158

Female 608 623

Training Session 3 3

MARIANI : (03-07-2010 to 04-07-2010)

The Red Ribbon Express was exhibited in Mariani Junction on 3rd and 4th July, 2010. Shri Debo Kr. Bora, Press Adviser to the Chief Minister of Assam, inaugurated the train at Mariani Junction. The following guests attended the inaugural programme 1. Shri Debo Kr. Bora, Press Adviser of Chief Minister of Assam; 2. Shri R. Kurmi, Honble MLA, Mariani; 3. Shri R.K Bhatta, ADC, Jorhat ; 4. Shri Kumud Kachari, Chief of the Autonomous Council of Thengal Kachari Parishad; 5. Shri Debojit Hazarika, Superintendent of Police, Jorhat;. 6. Shri S.K. Pujari, Project Director, DRDA, Assam; 7. Dr. N.S. Tishya, Deputy Director (Blood Safety), Assam State AIDS Control Society.
Shri Debo Kr. Bora inaugurating the RRE at Mariani Junction on 3rd July, 2010

During the welcome ceremony of the Red Ribbon Express at Mariani Junction, the local MLA Shri R. Kurmi mentioned that the adjoining places of Nagaland like Mariani and Jorhat could be highly vulnerable for HIV/AIDS. The reports of RRE at the Mariani Railway Junction are as follows -

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Date 03-07-10 04-07-10

Visitors 1681 1986

Male 1309 1213

Female 372 773

Training Session 3 2

Attendant 156 122

Counseling 51 102

Testing 44 91

Outreach Viewers 5434 5718

TINSUKIA : (05-07-2010 to 06-07-2010)

The inaugural programme of the Red Ribbon Express at the New Tinsukia Railway Station started at 9.30 a.m. The Deputy Commissioner of Tinsukia, Dr. K.K. Dwivedi, IAS, inaugurated the Red Ribbon Express at the New Tinsukia Railway Station. The following guests attended the inaugural programme 1. Dr.K.K.Dwivedi,IAS,DeputyCommissioner,Tinsukia 2. ShriSanjayMukherjee,DRM,TinsukiaRailwayDivision 3. Shri Ajit Kr. Bordoloi, CEO, Zila Parisad, Tinsukia 4. Shri H.K. Das, ADC, Tinsukia; 5. Shri M. Saikia, Additional Superintendent of Police, Tinsukia; 6. Dr. N.N Sonowal, Additional Project Director, Date 05-07-10 06-07-10 Visitors 1539 1693 Male 1250 1316 Female 289 377 Training Session 2 3

Dr. K.K. Dwivedi, Deputy Commissioner, IAS, Tinsukia, inaugurating the RRE at Tinsukia on 5th July, 2010

Assam State AIDS Control Society. The reports of RRE at the Tinsukia Railway Station are as follows Attendant 79 135 Counseling 46 77 Testing 43 71 Outreach Viewers 998 916

Total Achievements of RRE in Assam Visitors 48199 Male 31483 Female 16716 Training Session 46 Attendant in Training 2286 Counseling 1526 Testing 1175 Outreach Viewers 175947

The concluding function of RRE in Assam was held at the Training Hall of RRE on 6th July, 2010 at 6.30 p.m. under the chairmanship of Dr. N.N. Sonowal, Additional Project Director, Assam State AIDS Control Society. The CEO of RRE Mr. Manish Kumar and his

team were felicitated in the function. They appreciated the co-operation extended by ASACS and expressed their thankfulness for the support received from Assam State AIDS Control Society for the grand success of RRE in the State.

IEC activities done to make the RRE a success

A media advocacy was done with the representatives of all the local media houses. (Print and Electronic). It was organized jointly by the Assam State AIDS Control Society and the Press Club, Guwahati. Newspaper advertisements were released. A State-level slogan writing competition was organized in two categories for the students of Class VIII to XII and Degree 1st Year to P.G. final year. A total of 142 nos. of students took part in the competition and all the first three ranked participants were awarded by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Assam Shri Tarun Gogoi at the inaugural programme of RRE at Kamakhya Railway Station, Guwahati. Jingles were developed and broadcast by three F.M. stations consecutively for one month. Press conference was organized by ASACS and involved the media in the programme. The media gave free publicity and all activities were widely displayed. Banners/ Posters were developed and displayed in all the districts. TI NGOs were involved and they also played a role in the publicity and mobilization of people to RRE. NRHM, Assam released newspaper advertisements on RRE to major local dailies. Nehru Yuva Kendra and Songs and Drama Division performed street plays in the peripheries of the Railway stations and adjoining areas.

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Activities of IEC Division

Training programme for cultural troupes of RRE Project
The Assam State AIDS Control Society, in association with the Songs and Drama Division, Assam and the Nehru Yuba Kendra, Assam organized a workshop for th th cultural performers on 6 and 7 May, 2010 at the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra auditorium, Guwahati. A total of six groups consisting of 48 performers participated in the workshop. These groups did the outreach activities in the Red Ribbon Express Project. Noted artistes Shri Gunakar Devgoswami, Shri Naren Patgiri, Shri Jyoti Narayan Nath attended the training as the Resource Persons. Control Society for testing of HIV/AIDS, and other services like ART, ICTC, CCC, the facilities provided for the affected people. The Resource Persons interacted with the participants on the different queries put forwarded by the participants.

Advocacy workshop for Sports and Youth Welfare Department

An advocacy workshop on HIV/AIDS was conducted for the physical trainers of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Government of Assam on 18th May, 2010 at the Youth Hostel, Paltan Bazar, Guwahati. In presence of senior officials of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Government of Assam, Shri Sanjeev Gohain Baruah, Director, Sports and Youth Welfare Department, inaugurated the programme. The workshop was organized jointly by the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Govt. of Assam and ASACS. Dr. N.N. Sonowal, Additional Project Director, ASACS and Smt. Rakhi Chakravarty, Joint Director (IEC), ASACS participated as the Resource Persons.

Advocacy workshop for Deptt. of Home

On 13th May, 2010, an advocacy workshop was organized for the police personnel of Rangia subdivision of Kamrup district. The workshop was conducted jointly by the Office of the Superintendent of Police, Kamrup and ASACS. Altogether, 130 participants were present in the programme. Shri Pallav Bhattacharya, Inspector General of Police, Shri Partha Sarathi Mahanta, Superintendent of Police, Kamrup were present along with other high Police officials.

Advocacy workshop for Mediapersons

On 7th June, 2010, an advocacy workshop on HIV/AIDS for the mediapersons was conducted at the Guwahati Press Club. The workshop was organized jointly by the Guwahati Press Club and the Assam State AIDS Control Society. A total of 45 medipersons of different print and electronics media participated in the workshop where Dr. N.N. Sonowal, Additional Project Director, ASACS; Smt. Rakhi Chakravarty, Joint Director (IEC), ASACS; and Shri Naba Thakuria, president of the Guwahati Press Club attended as the Resource Persons. Threadbare discussions were held on the role of mediapersons to prevent HIV/AIDS in the society. The Resource Persons elaborated on the present HIV/AIDS scenario of the State and also the facilities provided by the Government for the affected people.

A scene of the advocacy workshop organized for the police personnel th of Rangia sub-division, Kamrup district on 13 May, 2010

Dr. N.N. Sonowal, Additional Project Director, ASACS; Smt. Rakhi Chakravarty, Joint Director (IEC), ASACS; Dr. Mantu Deka, Deputy Director (STI), ASACS participated as the Resource Persons. In the workshop, Dr. Sonowal focussed on the importance of awareness on HIV/AIDS and the role of Police in prevention of HIV/AIDS. Smt. Rakhi Chakravarty spoke on the basics of HIV/AIDS, facilities provided by the Government of Assam and the Assam State AIDS

Re-orientation programme on RRC

On 8th June, 2010, a re-orientation programme was organized for the Programme Officers of Red Ribbon Clubs of different colleges of the State in the Conference Hall of the State Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Khanapara, Guwahati-22.

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Shri Deepak Kumar, Regional Co-ordinator, NSS attended the programme as the Resource Person. A total of 30 nos. of participants participated in the workshop. Roles of Red Ribbon Clubs in the Red Ribbon Express Project were discussed in that programme. Instruction was issued to all the Programme Officers for successful implementation of RRE Project.

Training of Trainers for RRE Project

On 11 June, 2010, a training of trainers for the Red Ribbon Express Project was held at the auditorium hall of Silpagram, Guwahati where project managers and counsellors of Targetted Intervention projects were trained. The participants were trained on various aspects of Red Ribbon Express Project. ASACS officials Dr. H.C. Barman, Joint Director (CST), ASACS; Dr. P.D. Baruah, PPTCT Co-ordinator, Smt. Rakhi Chakravarty, Joint Director (IEC) attended the programme as the Resource Persons.
th

Shri Hemanga Kishore Sharma, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Govt. of Assam, addressing the open meeting on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, 2010

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed on June 26, 2010 by the Assam State AIDS Control Society in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, Government of Assam, the Assam State Branch of Association for Social Health in India, the NESPYM, the Kripa Foundation. On the occasion, an open meeting was organized at the auditorium of the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Panjabari, Guwahati which was inaugurated by Shri Hemanga Kishore Sharma, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Social Welfare Department. On the occasion, Shri N. Baishya, Deputy Superintendent of Police, CID, Guwahati, spoke on the overall situation of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the State of Assam. Dr. C. Kakoty, Director, NESPYM, spoke on the issue of alcoholism and drug abuse. Mrs. Mridula Saharia, Chairperson, Assam State Commission for Women, Dr. Suchitra Kakoti, Chairperson, Child Rights Commission, Ms. M. Hajger Barman, Project Director, Assam State AIDS Control Society and Shri Devjot Singh Sahni, Director, Kripa Foundation, also spoke on the occasion. Two family

(From left) Shri Ratna Kumar Gautam, general secretary, Association for Social Health in India, Assam State branch; Dr. C. Kakoty, Director, NESPYM; Dr. Suchitra Kakoti, Chairperson, Child Right Commission; Shri R. L. Duarah, IAS, Director, Social Welfare Department, Govt. of Assam; Shri Hemanga Kishore Sharma, Commissioner and Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Govt. of Assam; Mrs. Mridula Saharia, Chairperson, Assam State Commission for Women; and Ms. M. Hajger Barman, Project Director, Assam State AIDS Control Society are seen on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, 2010.

members of alcoholic and substance abuse victims also shared their life experience in the meeting. The vote of thanks was offered by Shri Ratna Kumar Gautam, general secretary, Association for Social Health in India, Assam State branch. Representatives from different organizations, including NGOs like Rural Multimedia Publicity and Promotion and the GOLD working for drug abuse and Targeted Intervention projects under Assam State AIDS Control Society, Nehru Yuvak Kendra, National Service Scheme, NCC were also present in the function. On this occasion, newspaper advertisements were issued to local dailies. Day-long programme on drug abuse and illicit trafficking was broadcast in two popular FM channels. Street plays on the topic were also performed by the M/S Deepjyoti Silpi Sangha, a Song and Drama Division-approved cultural troupe, in Kamrup (Metro) district.

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NACO Joint Secretary visits Assam

Ms. Aradhana Johri, IAS, Joint Secretary, National AIDS Control Organization, along with other senior th th officials visited Guwahati on April 12 to 13 , 2010. She chaired a review meeting organized at NACO, North Eastern Regional Office, Guwahati where the Project Directors of the north-eastern States participated. The meeting focused on the recommendations and inputs given to the States Annual Action Plans for the year 2010-11. The various Project Directors of the North-east States highlighted the progress of their implementation of the plan component-wise respectively. On 13th April, 2010, Ms. Johri visited the ICTC centre, Microbiology Department and the ART Centre at Gauhati Medical College Hospital. She also visited the

Smt. Aradhana Johri, IAS, Joint Secretary, NACO and Mr. Kanwaldeep Singh, Director (Finance), NACO visiting a TI project run by the Bharuka Public Welfare Trust in Guwahati on April 12, 2010

Community Care Centre and an NGO, Bharuka Public Welfare Trust who is implementing the FSW and a Truckers project in Guwahati.

Activities of Targeted Intervention Division

Orientation Prog for TI Project Evaluators
An orientation training programme for the evaluator, who were supposed to evaluate 32 Targetted Intervention Projects, was conducted on 19th April, 2010 at the Office complex of the Project Director, ASACS. The Objective of the meeting was to make the evaluators acquainted with the new/revised evaluation tool and manual and also finalize the evaluation schedule with the assistance and consent of the evaluators. In the training programme, Smt. Dhriti Bania, Joint Director (TI), ASACS, discussed the new / revised evaluation tool and manual and also the new / revised data collection tool of TI projects. The meeting was inaugurated by a brief introductory speech by the Joint Director (TI) and the TI project evaluators engaged by ASACS.

A scene of the workshop on Project Proposal Development and Need Assessment held on 29th and 30th April, 2010 at the Classroom of the State Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Khanapara, Guwahati

Workshop on Project Proposal Development and Need Assessment

A workshop on Project Proposal Development and Need Assessment was held on 29th and 30th April, 2010 at the Office of the Project Director, ASACS where the chief functionaries i.e. President/Secretary of the four newly-enrolled Targeted Intervention projects participated. The objective of the programme was to make the new TI functionaries acquainted with the implementation of TI project, make them understand the goal and objective of National AIDS Control Programme-III; and also make them well-versed about the functioning of the TI NGOs financial system. The Additional Project Director Dr. N.N Sonowal

welcomed the NGOs for implementation of the TI projects in the four identified districts Morigaon, Nagaon, Sonitpur and Goalpara. He laid stress on the needs for implementation of the projects by keeping in mind the goal and objective of NACP-III to halt and reverse the epidemic. The workshop started with the ice breaking session conducted by Smt. Dhriti Bania, Joint Director (TI), ASACS. Sessions on objective of NACP-III, assessment of needs, baseline survey and financial management were conducted. The 2-day-long meeting came to an end by the concluding speech of Joint Director (TI) where she urged the TI NGOs to come forward for the greater cause of the society and for the welfare of the high-risk vulnerable groups.

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Monthly Review Meetings of TI Project

3 April, 2010: The monthly review meeting for the Targeted Intervention projects was held with a daylong programme on 3rd April, 2010 at the Conference Hall of the Office of the Director, Welfare of Plain Tribal and Other Backward Classes. The objective of the meeting was aimed for performance appraisal of the TI projects, analysis of the CMIS data submitted by TI NGOs and to identify key gaps and technical needs areas for each TI project. In the review, independent analysis was done for the worst performing TI NGOs. Discussion and review on reports submitted by the officials of the Assam State AIDS Control Society and the District Programme Officers and the issues specifically related to ICTC testing by TI NGOs were also done. Reviews were done by Smt. Dhriti Bania, Joint Director (TI), ASACS, Shri Pankaj Chowdhury, RPO (FSW), Shri Ranjanjyoti Deka, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, ASACS, and Shri Raju Tamang, RPA (PME), NACO-NERO.
rd

targeted intervention projects by Smt. Arpana Barman, Assistant Director (ICTC), ASACS. rd th 3 and 4 June, 2010: The monthly review meeting for the Targeted Intervention projects was held with tword th day programme on 3 and 4 June, 2010 at the conference hall of the Axom Bigyan Samiti Bhawan, Khanapara, Guwahati-22 where Project Managers of TI projects attended. In the meeting, independent analysis of the performance of the TI NGOs was done. The consolidated graphical analysis of the month-wise performance of the TI NGOs was presented and the gaps in the service delivery was discussed by by Smt. Dhriti Bania, Joint Director (TI).

Ms. Sophia Khummakcham, Technical Officer, NACO seen in the post-evaluation debriefing meeting of TI Projects held on 17th and 18th June, 2010 at the Assam Administrative Staff College, Khanapara, Guwahati A scene of the monthly review meeting of the TI projects held on 3rd April, 2010 at the Conference Hall of the Office of the Director, Welfare of Plain Tribal and Other Backward Classes, Guwahati

Post-evaluation debriefing meeting of TI Projects

The post-evaluation debriefing meeting of Targetted th th Intervention Projects was held on 17 and 18 June, 2010 at the Assam Administrative Staff College, Khanapara, Guwahati-22. The objective of the meeting was to assess the performances of the TI projects which have been evaluated after completion of one year of project period during the month of May, 2010. The Additional Project Director of ASACS Dr. N. N. Sonowal elaborated that the objective of the meeting and requested the TI NGOs to continue the good work so that the aim of the NACP III can be attained successfully. The evaluation reports were analyzed by Smt. Sophia Khummakcham, Technical Officer, National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Dr. Rebecca Sinate, RPA, NACO North Eastern Regional Office, Shri Pankaj Sharma, NACO, NERO, Smt. Dhriti Bania, Joint Director (TI), ASACS to identify the key gaps and technical need areas for each evaluated TI project. In the meeting, evaluation reports were shared with the Project Directors, Project Managers and Accountants of TI NGOs and District Programme Officers concerned of NACO, NERO. The overview of the findings of the evaluation were done by the team leaders of the evaluation teams.

3rd and 4th May, 2010: The monthly review meeting for the Targeted Intervention projects was held with twoday programme on 3rd and 4th May, 2010 at the conference hall of the Axom Bigyan Samiti Bhawan where Project Managers of TI projects participated. The objective of the meeting was to review the performance of the TI projects, analysis of the CMIS data submitted by TI projects, and also to identify the key gaps and technical needs areas for each TI under Assam State AIDS Control Society. The meeting was inaugurated by a brief introductory speech by Smt. Dhriti Bania, Joint Director (TI). This was followed by an individual TI-wise appraisal of service/activities/achievement against set activity targets of TI projects. In the meeting, independent analysis of the performance of the TI NGOs with the help of the District Programme Officers report was done by the Joint Director (TI). The condom requirement data was analyzed by Shri Anirban Chakraborty, State Marketing Manager, Technical Support Group, Condom Promotion-NACO, and the issues specifically related to the ICTC service with the

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Activities of STI Division

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STIs) cases are needed to be managed because of its close association with HIV as the chance of acquiring HIV increases to as many as 10 folds in presence of STIs. Moreover, by following the syndromic case management only, 40% reduction of HIV transmission is possible. Hence, it is stressed that all healthcare providers to follow the NACOrecommended guidelines for syndromic case management of STI cases. For this, the State AIDS Control Society has been providing free supply of colour coded STI drug kits to all the civil hospitals and medical colleges along with free supply of Rapid Plasma Reagent (RPR) test kits for Syphilis screening of STI case and pregnant mothers. To fulfil this objective, the Assam State AIDS Control Society organized a number of trainings/workshops for the various service providers of the State in the 1st quarters of the financial year 2010-2011. In the training programmes, the participants were trained on STI-RTI Syndromic Management, various aspects of laboratory diagnosis of STI/RTI, issues related to linkages, referrals and counselling, Universal Precautions and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, etc. Importance of proper recording and reporting of STI/RTI cases, history taking and clinical skills in RTI/STI cases were also discussed. The training programmes in the 1st quarter, 2010-11 were as follows : 1) On 26th and 27th April, 2010, a two-day refresher training on STI-RTI Syndromic Management was organized at the Conference Hall of Assam Science Society, Khanapara, Guwahati-22. In-charge Doctors of Designated STI/RTI Clinics of District Civil Hospitals participated in the training programme. 2) From 28th to 30th April, 2010, and from 9th to 11th June, 2010, induction trainings were organized in two batches for the Gynaecologists from District Civil Hospitals and Medical Colleges on STI-RTI Syndromic Management. The programmes were held at the Conference Hall of Assam Science Society, Khanapara, Guwahati-22; and the

Dr. Padmaja Saikia, Asstt. Professor, Deptt. of Dermatology, Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, is seen in the induction trainings for Gynaecologists held at the Conference Hall of Assam Science Society, Khanapara, Guwahati on 11th June, 2010.

Conference Hall of the State Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Khanapara, Guwahati-22 respectively. 3) From 25th - 26th May, 2010, a two-day Induction Training of Staff Nurses on STI/RTI Management was held at the Conference Hall of the State Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Khanapara, Guwahati-22. Staff Nurses of District Civil Hospitals and Medical Colleges attended the training programme. 4) From 12th - 13th July, 2010, a two-day Induction Training for the Laboratory Technicians of Designated STI/RTI Clinics of District Civil Hospitals and Medical Colleges was conducted on STI/RTI Management at the Conference Hall of the State Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Khanapara, Guwahati-22. 5) On 8th June, 2010, a one-day Review Meeting was held at the Conference Hall of the State Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Khanapara, Guwahati. The Councellors of designated STI/RTI Clinics attended the meeting. Key ASACS officials reviewed the performances of the Designated STI/RTI Clinics and discussed the gaps which were advised to rectify in the coming months.

Activities of Basic Services Division

PPTCT Team training conducted
Under the aegis of the Assam State AIDS Control Society, a five-day long PPTCT (Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission) Team training was conducted from April 26 to 30, 2010 at the conference hall of the Indian Institute of Bank Management, Khanapara. One Paediatrician, one Gynaecologist, one Nurse, one Counselor and one Laboratory Technician from each Civil Hospitals of Goalpara, Sonitpur, Maibong, Barpeta, Mangaldai, Dhubri, Karimganj, Hailakandi

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hall of the Indian Institute of Bank Management, Khanapara, Guwahati. One Paediatrician, one Gynaecologist, one Nurse, one Counselor and one Laboratory Technician from each Civil Hospitals of Barpeta, Kokrajhar, Nagaon, Nalbari, Morigaon, Golaghat, Jorhat Medical College Hospital, and Community Health Centres of Bokakhat and Jakhalabandha participated in the team training programme.

Orientation Training on CPT-cum-quarterly review meeting of Counselors

Ms. Arpana Barman, Astt. Director (ICTC), addressing the PPTCT team training

and Rangia Community Health Centre participated in the team training programme. Subjects like antenatal management, management of labour and child birth, immediate post-partum care of HIV-infected mothers, immediate neo-natal care of HIV-exposed infants, feeding of infants born to HIVinfected mothers, opportunistic infections and management of HIV-exposed infants and children, Universal Precautions, management of labour of HIVinfected pregnant women, etc. were covered in the training programme. The participants were also taken to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital and the Bharuka Public Welfare Trust-based Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre for field visit. Dr H.C. Barman, Dr. S.N. Goswami, Dr. Jabed Ali, Dr. S.K. Baruah, Dr. N. Rehman, Dr. (Mrs) Nirupama Saharia, Dr. J.N. Sarma, Dr. Chimanjita Phukan, Dr. J.D. Nath, Dr. P.D. Baruah, Smt. Aparna Barman, Shri Biju Saikia attended the programme as the resource persons. Another such five-day long PPTCT Team training was conducted from May 18 to 22, 2010 at the conference

Under the aegis of the Assam State AIDS Control Society, a two-day-long orientation training on CPT (Co-trimoxazole Prophylactic Treatment)-cumquarterly review meeting was organized for the nd rd Counselors of ICTCs on 22 and 23 April, 2010 respectively at the Conference Hall of the State nd Institute of Health and Family Welfare. On 22 April, 2010, following subjects were covered like HIV Exposure in infants, young children, care and support of HIV exposed infants, PCP (Pneumocystis Carini Pneumonia) and other opportunistic infection in exposed children, pharmacology of Co-trimoxazole and operational guideline of CPT and demonstration of CPT. Next day in the review meeting, the counselor's performances were reviewed. Reviews were made regarding STD referral, CMIS, IEC, TI, etc. Morever, linkage to care and support was also discussed.

Review meeting of Laboratory Technicians

A review meeting of the Laboratory Technicians of all the Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres th (ICTCs) was held on 14 May, 2010 at the Conference Hall of the State Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Khanapara, Guwahati-22. The meeting was inaugurated by Dr. N. N. Sonowal, Additional Project Director, Assam State AIDS Control Society. Dr. N. K. Hazarika, Head of the Department of Microbiology, Gauhati Medical College Hospital, attended the programme as the Resource Person. Dr. P.D. Baruah, PPTCT Co-Ordinator, Smt. Arpana Barman, Assistant Director, ICTC and Shri Ranjan Jyoti Deka, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, ASACS, reviewed the performance of the Laboratory Technicians. The Resource Person and the ASACS officials urged the participants to perform their duties sincerely and

A scene of PPTCT Team Training held on 26th - 30th April, 2010

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maintain all standard procedures in time of collection and testing of blood of patients and for External Quality Assurance.

District-level HIV-TB training of Kamrup District

Training for HIV-TB collaborative activities on Intensified HIV-TB package has been decentralized to district level. The District Programme Officer of RNTCP of Kamrup district organized the modular training for Medical Officers, Counselors, STS/STLS and pharmacists on 17th May, 2010. The training was based on the activities need to be done by NACP and RNTCP staff for implementing intensified HIV-TB package in Kamrup district. WHO Consultant, State HIV-TB Co-ordinator and District Programme Officer, RNTCP, Kamrup district were the Resource Persons of the training. HIV-TB focal person from the Assam State AIDS Control Society also attended the training programme.

Dr. P. D. Baruah delivered speech about PPTCT Services at Mirza

In his speech, Dr. A.K. Sarma, Deputy Superintendent of Mirza CHC, spoke about the importance of prevention and awareness on HIV/AIDS, myths and misconception relating to the disease, and also stigma and discrimination, etc. Smt. Arpana Barman, Assistant Director (ICTC), ASACS, delivered valuable speech on ICTC services. She also requested all the medical officers and the staff to refer all the ANC cases to ICTCs. She also explained co-relation between HIV-TB and STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) cases. Addressing the meeting, Dr. M.C. Das, Joint Director of Health Services, Kamrup, spoke on various aspects of HIV/AIDS and encouraged all medical staff to deal with HIV/AIDS cases without any hesitation. Dr. N.N. Sonowal, Additional Project Director of ASACS, advised all staff to follow the service package properly. Dr. P.D. Baruah, PPTCT Consultant, explained about PPTCT service where care of the mother and baby can be taken properly. Speaking on the occasion as the invited guest, Dr. K. Barua, Medical Officer, Azara CHC, spoke on HIV-TB co-ordination programme., Dr. N. Das, SDM&HO, also spoke on prevention of the deadly disease. Smt. Madhumita Changmai, ICTC Counselor of Mirza CHC, spoke on ICTC activities in Mirza CHC. Dr. A.K. Sarma offered vote of thanks on the occasion.

A scene of HIV / TB meeting held on 17th May, 2010

2nd annual one-day full-site sensitization programme at Mirza CHC

As per the guideline of the Assam State AIDS Control Society, a one-day full-site sensitization programme on HIV/AIDS was organized at Mirza CHC (ICTC) on 11th June, 2010. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. A.K. Sarma, Deputy Superintendent of Mirza CHC. Dr. N.N. Sonowal, Additional Project Director of ASACS; Dr. M.C. Das, Joint Director of Health Services, Kamrup; Dr. P.D. Baruah, PPTCT Consultant and Smt. Arpana Barman, Assistant Director (ICTC), ASACS attended the programme as the guests. Around 80 staff members, including doctors, GNMs, ANMs, Laboratory Technicians, Pharmacists, Lady Health Educator, Health Educator attended the programme.

Sensitization-cum-Orientation Training on CPT

A one-day sensitization-cum-orientation training on Co-trimoxazole Prophylactic Treatment (CPT) was held on 17th May, 2010 at the conference hall of Hotel Ambarish, Ganeshguri, Guwahati. In-charge Medical

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22 by the ASACS. The meeting was inaugurated by Dr. N. N. Sonowal, Additional Project Director, ASACS. In the review meeting, counselors performances were reviewed. Reviews were made regarding STD referral, CMIS, IEC, TI, etc. Morever, linkage to care and support was also discussed. The meeting was attended by Smt. M. Hagjer Barman, Project Director, ASACS, Dr. P. Bordoloi, State TB Officer, Assam, Smt. Arpana Barman, Assistant Director (ICTC), ASACS. During his visit, Dr. Mohammed offered some recommendations to upgrade the services of the Basic Services Division and the ASACS key officials assured him to go forward as per his suggestions.

A scene of CPT Training of Doctors held on 17 May, 2010

th

Officers of all the ICTCs and PPTCTs participated in the training programme. Subjects like HIV Exposure in infants young children, care and support of HIV exposed infants, PCP (Pneumocystis Carini Pneumonia) and other opportunistic infection in exposed children, pharmacology of Co-trimoxazole and operational guideline of CPT and demonstration of CPT were covered in the day-long training programme. Dr. Jyanendra Nath Sarma, Head of the Department of Paediatrics, Gauhati Medical College Hospital and Dr. Nasiur Rehman, Senior Medical Officer, ART Centre, Gauhati Medical College Hospital participated in the programme as the Resource Persons.

Full-site sensitization programme in Sipajhar Block Primary Health Centre

A full-site sensitization programme was organized by the Integrated Councelling and Testing Centre of Sipajhar Community Health Centre in Sipajhar Block Primary Health Centre premises on June 6, 2010. The objective of the programme was elaborated by Dr. B C Moral, Sub-Divisional Medical and Health Officer and in-charge of ICTC, Sipajhar CHC. Attending the programme, Smt. Arpana Barman, Assistant Director (ICTC), ASACS, elaborated on the various steps taken by the State AIDS Control Society to prevent HIV/AIDS. She also spoke on the mesures to be taken for prevention of parents to child transmission and also the care and support to the newborn of a HIV infected mother. She laid stress on peoples active participation to avail these free services offered by the Government for the welfare of the people.

Exposure visit, review of performances of Basic Services Division of ASACS by National Programme Officer, ICTC
A two-day review meeting of Basic Services Division of all the North-Eastern States was held at NACO-North Eastern Regional Official, Guwahati on 3rd and 4th June, 2010. Dr. Suresh K. Mohammed, National Programme Officer (ICTC), NACO, reviewed the performances / achievements of the Basic Services Division of ASACS. Earlier, on 1st and 2nd June, 2010, Dr. Suresh K. Mohammed visited the ICTC Centres of Azara PHC, Mirza CHC, Uparhali PHC, Boko PHC, Dudhnai CHC, Goalpara Civil Hospital, Bongaigaon Civil Hospital, Bapeta Road CHC, Pathsala CHC, Nalbari Civil Hospital and Nalbari Maternity Hospital. Dr. Mohammed, National Programme officer, was also present in a day-long review meeting of the Counselor of Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres of Asssam, organized on 5th June, 2010 at the Assam Administrative Staff College, Khanapara, Guwahati-

A scene of the fulll-site sensitization programme held at Sipajhar PHC

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In the programme, Dr. Prasanta Goswami, Dr. Munin Medhi and Dr. Jiten Saharia of Mangaldai Civil Hospital and Dr. Dinesh Goswami, District Tuberculosis Officer, Darrang attended as the Resource Persons. Smt. Binu Bora, ICTC Councellor and Md. Unish Ahmed, ICTC Laboratory Technician of

Sipajhar CHC spoke on the importance of counseling and testing respectively. At the end of the programme, the vote of thanks was offered by Shri Sankar Kakati, Block Extension Educator of Sipajhar Block Primary Health Centre.

Activities of Blood Safety Division

Review meeting of counselors of Blood Banks
A day-long review meeting of Counselors of the Blood Banks of the four medical colleges and three Major Blood Banks of KK Civil Hospital, Golaghat; Kanaklata Civil Hospital, Sonitpur and BP Civil Hospital, Nagaon was organized at the State-of-the-art Model Blood Bank, Gauhati Medical College Hospital, Guwahati on th 20 May, 2010. Dr. N.S. Tishya, Deputy Director (Blood Safety), Assam State AIDS Control Society, inaugurated the session while Dr. (Smt.) Tirtha Chaliha, Professor and Head of the Department of Pathology, Jorhat Medical College Hospital and Dr. Ajanta Bhattacharjee, Medical Officer, Blood Bank, Gauhati Medical College Hospital attended the meeting as Resource Persons. The discussion in the review meeting was on the process of Donor Counseling at the Blood Banks and proper maintenance of donors registers. organizing 100 nos. of Voluntary Blood Donation camps. The funds have been released to the official Bank Accounts of the Medical Colleges and the District Level Blood Banks.

World Blood Donor Day observed

Under the aegis of the Assam State AIDS Control Society and in association with the Assam State Blood Transfusion Council, the World Blood Donor Day was observed on June 14, 2010 in all the districts of the State with various programmes. To motivate the voluntary, non-remunerated, continuous blood donation for blood safety, this year the Day focuses on the young generation and hence this years slogan is New Blood for the World. In the central function, organized at the conference hall of the State Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Khanapara, Guwahati, representatives of various organizations participated. The objective of the programme was elaborated by Dr. H. C. Barman, Joint Director (CST), Assam State AIDS Control Society. He th said that as per the decision taken in the 58 World Health Assembly, the World Blood Donor Day has been celebrated since 2004 to give recognition to the service rendered to the mankind by donating blood voluntarily. He thanked all the organizations which

Voluntary Blood Donation Camps

The target for Voluntary Blood Donation camps in 2010-11 is 300 nos. For this, the Assam State AIDS Control Society has released Rs. 2.50 lakh (Rupees st Two Lakhs Fifty Thousand) as 1 instalment to the District Level Blood Banks during May, 2010 for

Organizations receiving citations for their achievements towards voluntary blood donation in the State on the occasion of the World Blood Donor Day observation on 14th June, 2010 at the Conference Hall of the State Institute of Health & Family Welfare, Khanapara, Guwahati

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(left) Dr. A. Nagendra, Professor and Head of the Department of Microbiology, NARI, Pune delivering his lecture in the four-day National Level Workshop on Process of Quality held from 22nd June to 25th June, 2010 & (right) A section of the participants

have been working in this field selflessly for the greater interest of the society. Inaugurating the meeting, Smt. M. Hagjer Barman, Project Director, Assam State AIDS Control Society, said that it is the thanksgiving day to those great people of the society who have been working relentlessly for the service of the people. She said that States like Tripura and Mizoram have achieved much success in the field of voluntary blood donation than the State of Assam. Therefore, she requested all concerned to work more efficiently and also to motivate the great force of the young generation so that Assam can achieve the target for collecting blood requirement as per the need of the State. In his speech, Dr. N.S. Tishya, Deputy Director (Blood Safety), Assam State AIDS Control Society, said the purpose of celebrating the Day and also the present blood donation scenario of the State. He said though Assam requires 3 lakhs units of blood every year, the State always lacks it because of non-achieving the blood donation target. He thanked all the organizations associated with the voluntary blood donation programme in the State. In the meeting, 37 organizations of undivided Kamrup district were presented citation for their achievement towards voluntary blood donation in the State.

and Dr. B. Barooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati on 20th May, 2010. They verified the functional status of the Blood Banks. Shri Rongpi, Consultant, Voluntary Blood Donation, visited the Blood Bank of Nagaon Civil Hospital and three First Referral th Units of Hojai, Dhing and Kampur from 25 to th 26 May, 2010.

State Blood Transfusion Council Meeting held

A meeting of the Assam State Blood Transfusion Council was held at the Conference Hall of State Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Khanapara, th Guwahati on 10 June, 2010 at 3.30 p.m. Shri J.C. Goswami, , IAS, Commissioner & Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Health and Family Welfare Department and Chairman of the Council chaired the meeting. A total of 12 members of the Council attended the meeting. The Project Director, Assam SACS, Smt. Renuka Devi Borkotoky, the Honorary Secretary of Indian Red Cross Society, Assam, Drugs Controller, Assam, Transfusion Medicine expert of Jorhat Medical College and International Hospital attended the meeting. The action taken report on the decisions th taken in the last SBTC meeting held on 11 August, 2009 was presented by the Deputy Director (Blood Safety), Assam SACS. Various issues, including the proposal to permit private sector Blood Banks to conduct outdoor voluntary blood donation camps, placement of six blood transportation vans in the Major Blood Banks of the State, regulation on processing fees of blood, etc. were discussed in the meeting.

Supervisory / Monitoring visits

o Dr. N.S. Tishya, Deputy Director (Blood Safety), Assam State AIDS Control Society and Shri Mintu Rongpi, Consultant, Voluntary Blood Donation, ASACS visited Blood Banks of Mahendra Mohan Chowdhary Hospital, Guwahati and Blood Storage Centre of Maternity and Child Care Hospital, th Dhirenpara on 30 April, 2010 and three Blood Banks of Gauhati Medical College Hospital, Mahendra Mohan Chowdhary Hospital, Guwahati

4-day National Level Workshop on Process of Quality of In-Charges, SRL of North East Zone
The National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) organized a four-day National Level Workshop on Process of Quality in association with the Assam States AIDS Control Society for the nine States of the

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north-eastern region namely Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, West Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar Island with nd th effect from 22 to 25 June, 2010. A total of 20 participants, including In-Charge of State Referral Laboratories (SRLs) and Quality Managers of SACS participated in the workshop. The following resource persons conducted the training : Dr. Reba Kanango, Lab. Program Adviser, CDC-GAP India, Chennai; Dr. Madhuri Thakar, Scientist D, NARI, Pune; Dr. Manisha Khandait, Programme Officer, Lab Service Division, NACO; Dr. Rekha Jain, RTS - LS PCI India; Dr. M. K. Saha, Director, NICED, Kolkata; Dr. A. Nagendra, Prof. & HOD, Microbiology, NARI, Pune; Dr. N. Braja Chand Singh, Prof. & HOD, Miocrobiology, RIMS, Imphal. The training was held at the Conference Hall of Hotel Ambarish, Guwahati and the training covered subjects like calendar for External Quality Assurance Service

(EQAS) activity, quality manual, SOPs, CD4, etc.

Review of Blood Safety activities and licensing status of Blood Banks of North East Region
The Blood Safety Division of NACO organized a review meeting of the Blood Safety activities of SACS of north-eastern region on 25th June, 2010 and reviewed of licensing status of Blood Banks of North East States on 26th June, 2010 at the Conference Hall of NACO-NERO, Guwahati. Dr. Mohammed Shaukat, Assistant Director General, Blood Safety, NACO and Dr. Pushkar Kumar, Programme Officer, Quality Control, Blood Safety, NACO reviewed the Blood Safety activities of SACS of north-eastern region, including Assam. Smt. Rubina Bose, Assistant Drugs Controller (I), CDSCO, East Zone, Kolkata attended the meeting to review the licensing status of Blood th Bank on 26 June, 2010.

Activities of CST Division

Capacity building training for Nurses on Care, Support and Treatment
The Assam State AIDS Control Society has been holding various advocacy workshops, trainings from time to time for the capacity building of the people associated directly or indirectly with the HIV/AIDS field. Such a training programme on Care, Support and Treatment was organized in two batches from April 21 to 22, 2010 and April 23 to 24, 2010 at the Nurses Training Centre, situated at the campus of the Gauhati Medical College & Hospital. Nurses of Guwahatibased T.B. Hospital, Mahendra Mohan Chowdhary Hospital, E.S.I. Hospital, Beltola, B. Baruah Cancer Institute and Gauhati Medical College Hospital participated in the training programme. These nurses were not trained on HIV/AIDS earlier. Another such capacity building training was conducted th th on 29 and 30 June, 2010 at the conference hall of the Indian Institute of Bank Management, Khanapara, Guwahati. The nurses, who were not trained on HIV/AIDS earlier from hospitals like Guwahati-based N.F. Railways Hospital, T.B. Hospital, Mahendra Mohan Chowdhary Hospital, E.S.I. Hospital, Beltola, B. Baruah Cancer Institute and Gauhati Medical College Hospital, have been imparted training by resource persons from various healthcare organizations. The nurses were trained on subjects like basic informations on HIV/AIDS; functioning of Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre and Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission, referral system, HIV-TB co-infection, HIV-STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) co-relation, care of HIV/AIDS patients in hospitals, Universal Work Precautions, Post Exposure Prophylaxix, stigma and discriminations, etc. Moreover, principles of counseling and legal aspects, condom promotion were also discussed in the training programme.

Supervisory / Monitoring visits

Dr. H.C. Barman, Joint Director (CST), Assam State AIDS Control Society, visited the Kanaklata Civil Hospital, Tezpur, on 17th May, 2010. He visited different components of the National AIDS Control Progeramme under ASACS. He visited the Link ART Centre (LAC) of the hospital and took stock of the working condition and other issues relating to the smooth functioning of the LAC. He also visited the ICTC, Blood Bank and STD Clinic of the hospital. A meeting was also organized in the office chambers of the Superintendent of the hospital with all the staff of the LAC, ICTC, Blood Bank and STD Clinic where various issues and problems were discussed to remove the gaps.

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RED RIBBON EXPRESS in Assam

VISITORS IN RRE

At Kamakhya

At Lumding

At Rangia

At Fakiragram

At Tinsukia

CULTURAL PERFORMANCES

Training programmes for cultural troupes of RRE th th project held on 6 & 7 May, 2010 at Fakiragram

PRE-ARRIVAL ACTIVITY

At Bongaigaon

The inaugural function at Fakiragram Railway Station on 17th June, 2010

At Chaparmukh