Hyderabad: The Telangana State AIDS Control Society (TGSACS) organised a state-level folk art programme in Hyderabad on Wednesday to strengthen its HIV/AIDS awareness campaign across Telangana.
The programme took place at Lalitha Kala Thoranam in Nampally. It formed part of the ongoing Intensified IEC Campaign on HIV/AIDS awareness.
Around 100 folk artists from 20 troupes representing different parts of Telangana participated in the programme.
The artists performed traditional Palle Suddulu. Through their performances, they conveyed messages on HIV/AIDS prevention, awareness, treatment and stigma reduction.
They also highlighted the availability of HIV-related services. As a result, the programme used traditional art to communicate public health messages.
HIV/AIDS awareness reaches communities through folk performances
TGSACS Project Director K. Vidya Sagar attended the programme as the chief guest. Officers and staff from the society’s IEC Division also participated and coordinated the event.
Addressing the gathering, Vidya Sagar appreciated the participation of folk artists from across Telangana. He stressed the value of traditional folk media in reaching rural and urban communities.
He said folk performances could deliver clear and effective awareness messages to people in an accessible manner.
Subsequently, the participating troupes will conduct district-level performances across Telangana. These programmes will continue under the Intensified IEC Campaign.
The district-level performances will take HIV/AIDS messages closer to communities. In addition, they will encourage people to follow preventive measures and use HIV testing and treatment services.
The campaign will also promote efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS.
TGSACS said the state-level programme formed part of its continuing efforts to strengthen community-based communication. The society is using culturally appropriate methods to take HIV/AIDS awareness messages to different sections of society.
Meanwhile, the participating folk troupes will continue their district-level performances as part of the campaign.