To encourage healthy lifestyles and to educate the public especially the youth, Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society organized a huge Cycle Rally on 03.12.2023 starting from Sukhna Lake to New Lake Sector 42 Chandigarh. The Cycle Rally was flagged off by Ajay Chagti IAS Secretary of Health, Chandigarh Administration along with Dr. Suman Singh, Director of Health Services. During the flag-off, the Secretary of Health urged people to adopt Healthy lifestyles by making cycling a routine activity. He also appreciated the efforts made by Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society in controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS in the city and also creating awareness among the masses about modes of HIV transmission and prevention.
More than 250 Cyclists from the city participated. The participants were from all walks of life including women and children. College Students formed the bulk of the Cycle Rally. The participants decorated their Cycles in a way that gave the message “Know AIDS for No AIDS” motivating the people to come forward and gather correct knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Placards with suitable messages were also displayed by the Cyclists. Prize was given for best decorated Cycle which conveyed the message of HIV modes of transmission. An Ambulance followed the Cyclists for their safety.
Ajay Chagti IAS, Secretary of Health, Dr Suman Singh, Director of Health Services, Rajiv Tewari, Director, DPR and Dr Virender Nagpal, Project Director, Chandigarh SACS drove their cycles along with the Cycle Rally giving a message to adopt healthy lifestyles for healthy tomorrow. Prizes for the Quiz on HIV/AIDS conducted at Lake Sector 42 were given away. Participants were motivated for Voluntary Free HIV Testing at the stationed Mobile HIV Testing Van at the concluding venue. HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases are most prevalent in the age group 15 to 39 years. Project Director, Dr. Virender Nagpal conveyed that Chandigarh is showing a declining trend in the HIV epidemic, this is a result of extensive education and awareness about the disease.