TFP Bureau, Korba, January 3, 2024: In observance of World AIDS Day, Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) has launched a month-long HIV/AIDS awareness campaign under its ‘Arogya’ project. The campaign, aligned with this year’s theme “Sahi Raste Apane: Mera Swasthya, Mera Adhikar!” (Choose the Right Path: My Health, My Right!), reached out to over 31,000 individuals across the district. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Social Revival Group of Urban Rural and Tribal (SOURT), Korba, the District Health Department, and the Chhattisgarh State AIDS Control Committee (CGSACS).
The primary goal of this year’s campaign is to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, dispel myths, reduce stigma, and encourage preventive practices, especially among high-risk behavioral groups, youth, and the broader community. The company launched an audio-visual ‘Jaagrookta Rath’ (Awareness Chariot) campaign in partnership with the District Health Department, which was attended by prominent health officials including Dr. S. N. Keshari, Chief Medical and Health Officer of Korba District, and Dr. K. K. Sahare, Dean of the Medical College, Korba.
In addition to the campaign, BALCO organized a Rangoli competition at various local colleges and schools. Participating institutions such as Hopes Institute of Nursing, Oriental College of Nursing, and Government Medical College contributed to the success of the event. Oriental Medical College won the first prize in the competition. Additionally, the company hosted awareness sessions and street plays at high and higher secondary schools to educate students about HIV/AIDS.
BALCO’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, expressed the company’s commitment to building a future where awareness serves as a powerful tool against HIV transmission. “Our goal is to create a more informed and progressive society that can significantly reduce the spread of HIV and save lives,” he said.
Dr. S.N. Keshari, Chief Medical and Health Officer of Korba, emphasized the importance of understanding HIV/AIDS and encouraged citizens to utilize free testing and counseling services available at Integrated Testing and Counseling Centres (ICTCs) throughout the district.
As part of the campaign, BALCO organized a ‘2 Day Youth Leadership Training’ program to train over 50 youth from high-risk areas as awareness leaders. These volunteers sensitized over 700 youth through ‘Yuva Chaupal’ sessions. Additionally, three primary health camps were held to provide HIV/AIDS counseling and first-level testing services in high-risk areas, offering convenient access to care.
BALCO’s Arogya Project is a comprehensive health initiative that also addresses tuberculosis (TB), de-addiction, and maternal and child health through rural health posts. This fiscal year alone, the project has reached over 40,000 individuals, training over 2,000 mothers on improved nutritional practices to combat child malnutrition. Through these efforts, the company aims to empower local communities and strengthen public health infrastructure.
