Ranchi: The Jharkhand government has launched a month-long HIV awareness campaign and blood donation drive to strengthen HIV prevention and improve access to blood across the state.
Health Minister Irfan Ansari launched the campaign at Ranchi’s Sadar Hospital on the occasion of International Youth Day. The initiative will focus on HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, testing and treatment, while encouraging voluntary blood donation.
Government Focuses on HIV Prevention
Ansari said the government aims to make Jharkhand a healthier state. He stressed that greater public awareness remains important for preventing the spread of HIV.
The minister said HIV infections in Jharkhand have declined compared with the past, but continued prevention efforts are necessary to maintain the progress.
HIV prevention work has already started in Saraikela-Kharsawan and Sahebganj districts.
Nine Districts to Get Targeted Action
The health department has also been directed to identify nine districts reporting higher HIV infection rates.
Special awareness campaigns and targeted action plans will be prepared for these districts. If the approach produces positive results, the government plans to expand the model to other parts of Jharkhand.
The focus will include greater awareness about:
- HIV causes and prevention
- Testing and early detection
- Treatment and healthcare services
- Awareness among young people
Awareness Rally and Campaign Chariot
An HIV awareness chariot was flagged off as part of the campaign.
NSS volunteers and ANM students also participated in an awareness rally to reach young people and the wider public.
The campaign will spread information on HIV prevention, testing and treatment and encourage people to seek appropriate healthcare services.
Jharkhand Plans Faster Blood Availability
The government is also working to strengthen blood availability in the state.
Ansari said an agency will soon be hired to establish a system aimed at providing blood within 15 minutes of a call.
According to the minister, if implemented successfully, Jharkhand would become the first state in the country to offer such a facility.
He also appealed to healthy individuals to donate blood regularly to strengthen the state’s blood supply.
Blood Donation Camps to Run Alongside Awareness Drive
Jharkhand AIDS Control Society Project Director Shashi Prakash Singh said the HIV awareness campaign will continue for one month.
Voluntary blood donation camps will also be organised during the campaign period.
The combined approach is intended to address two important public health needs — improving awareness about HIV and strengthening the availability of blood for patients requiring transfusions.
Youth Awareness Remains a Key Concern
Singh stressed the need for greater HIV awareness among youth, noting that nearly 19% of new infections involve people aged 13–24. He said accurate information on prevention, testing and treatment is essential, with NSS volunteers and ANM students helping spread awareness in communities and educational institutions.
Healthcare Infrastructure Also on Government Agenda
Alongside HIV prevention, Ansari highlighted plans to strengthen healthcare in Jharkhand, including establishing medical colleges in every district and starting work on RIMS-2 soon. The measures aim to improve healthcare infrastructure and access to medical services across the state.
Strengthening Public Health Through Awareness
The campaign focuses on HIV prevention, youth awareness and blood donation, while a rapid blood availability system could improve emergency care across Jharkhand.
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