Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today launched the Adolescence Education Programme (AEP) to mark the World AIDS Day here.
In order to promote holistic approach towards health among youth, the state government has partnered with UNESCO in implementing the AEP targeting students of Classes VIII and IX.
UNESCO is supporting the NGO 'Centre for Catalyzing Change' to integrate sustainable AEP within the education system of Arunachal Pradesh, an official statement said.
Launching the program, Tuki said the young people need to know about the menace of HIV/AIDS and have fair knowledge on preventive measures.
He expressed concern that 80 per cent of new HIV infection in Arunachal Pradesh happens in the age group of 10 to 39 years.
Calling upon all to spread the awareness on HIV/AIDS, Tuki stressed on the responsibilities of elected representatives, elders, teachers and parents in this regard.
He appealed all elected representatives to include a few words to create awareness whenever they get an opportunity to address the people, especially the young ones.
The fight against HIV/AIDS will be strengthened with the launch of AEP in Arunachal Pradesh, he said.
