Shillong Dec 1: The State Level World Aids Day was observed at Don Bosco Technical School Hall, Shillong on Saturday.

Chief Secretary, Y Tsering was the Chief Guest and Additional Chief Secretary (Health & Family Welfare) P W Ingty who is also the President of the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, Shillong was the Guest of Honour.

Addressing the gathering which was attended by nursing students from various nursing schools of the city, the Chief Secretary said that the world is addressing the menace of AIDS and working together to eliminate the disease by 2030.

He said that the theme of the observation this year ‘Live Life Positively-Know Your Status’ are small words but carry a deep meaning.

“It was important for everyone to know one’s own HIV status so that AIDS is not spread. Earlier, people did not come forward to know their status due to the stigma attached with AIDS but the mindset is changing through social awareness,” Tsering said and urged all especially the youth to safeguard and protect themselves from AIDS.

The Additional Chief Secretary, P W Ingty in his address, informed that though the State through Meghalaya Aids Control Society has organized a number of activities to bring about awareness about AIDS, but everyone has become complacent.

“AIDS is increasing in a few districts in the State and there is a need to focus on those districts. AIDS can be completely eliminated if each one makes it a personal responsibility to contain the disease,” Ingty said.

Earlier, the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour distributed the awards and prizes to winners of various competitions organized as part of the observation.