Governor Launches ‘Break Free’ HIV Awareness Campaign; Calls for Youth-Led Mass Movement
The Voice of Chandigarh News
The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, launched the Intensified IEC Campaign – “Break Free” a mass digital awareness movement on HIV/AIDS, at Punjab Lok Bhavan, Chandigarh. The Governor was accompanied by Chief Secretary H. Rajesh Prasad; Home-cum-Health Secretary Mandip Singh Brar, Director Health Services Dr. Suman Singh; and Project Director Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society Dr. Sadbhavna Pandit.
The campaign, organised by the Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society, Department of Health, Chandigarh Administration, and National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, was launched on International Youth Day. The “One Scan, One Step Towards Breaking Free” initiative uses a QR code to provide individuals with a confidential HIV Self-Risk Assessment, helping them understand their potential risk, access verified information on HIV, and, where required, connect with appropriate testing, counselling and health services.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said the campaign seeks to equip young people with accurate and scientific information, encourage timely testing and help them access appropriate health services. He said youth are not merely the future but the present strength of India, and urged them to bring positive social change.
Calling for an end to HIV-related myths and stigma, Kataria said many people living with HIV hesitate to disclose their condition due to fear of judgement and social rejection. He stressed that they deserve respect, dignity and equal opportunities, not discrimination, and called for an environment where people can seek help and healthcare without fear. He further called for collective efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 through awareness, timely testing, effective treatment and an end to stigma.
Speaking on the campaign, Home-cum-Health Secretary Mandip Singh Brar said the initiative represents an effective combination of digital technology and public awareness. He emphasised that the objective is not merely to provide information, but to make people aware of available government schemes, services and support, enabling them to overcome hesitation and seek timely testing, counselling and treatment.
The awareness activities will be undertaken over the next two months across schools, colleges, government departments, markets, public spaces and communities. He urged all departments, educational institutions, voluntary organisations, Red Ribbon Clubs, healthcare workers and the media to actively participate in the campaign, stressing that HIV prevention is a shared responsibility of the entire society. During the launch, an awareness video on “Break Free: India’s Trusted Digital Space for All HIV Concerns” was also screened for the audience.
The campaign was simultaneously rolled out at Rose Garden, Plaza-17, Elante Mall, Sukhna Lake, NINE-PGIMER, PEC, Panjab University, GMSH-16, GMCH-32, Sector 22 Market, Sector 19 Market and Rotary-37.
The programme was attended by senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration, programme officers, partner NGOs, ambassadors from various fields, CSACS staff, faculty members, researchers, healthcare professionals, civil society representatives, students and frontline workers working in the field of HIV/AIDS.
