“Red Run Marathon”: Health Minister Sakina Itoo urges ‘HIV-affected’ individuals to come forward for timely treatment

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 14 (STC): The Jammu and Kashmir government remains committed to fighting the twin challenges of drug addiction and HIV/AIDS through preventive healthcare, counseling services, and public education drives.
Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, stated this after flagging off the 5 km “Red Run Marathon” today organized by the J&K AIDS Control Society in collaboration with Kashmir University. She urged ‘HIV-affected’ individuals to come forward for timely treatment.
“Together, we can protect our future generations from these social and health evils,” Sakina Itoo said, urging collective responsibility from families, educational institutions, and civil society organizations.
Commenting on the menace of drug abuse which has deeply penetrated across Jammu and Kashmir, she urged people from all walks of life to join hands and play an active role in eliminating it.
“The menace of drugs has spread very much in Jammu and Kashmir. We are taking all possible steps to stop it, but it is also the role of every citizen to cooperate in this mission,” Sakina Itoo said. “The Health Department is working actively in this regard through awareness, treatment, and community-based interventions.”
Referring to the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare outreach, the minister said, “The government has received ambulances under the AIDS program so that these vehicles can go to remote areas to identify people who may be affected. Those who are suffering should come forward so that timely steps can be taken for their care and treatment.”
Highlighting the importance of awareness campaigns, Sakina Itoo said that programs like the Red Run Marathon serve as powerful platforms to engage youth and communities.
(Straight Talk Communications)