03/04/2025
HIV and AIDS Awareness and Sensitization in Lhuentse Dzongkhag (District):
From March 17th to 27th, 2025, the Lhak-Sam advocacy team successfully conducted an HIV and AIDS awareness program, reaching 181 individuals (104 males and 77 females). The objective was to educate the community about prevention, modes of transmission, and the benefits of treatment while reducing stigma and promoting social support to fight against the eradication of HIV/AIDS.
The team facilitated HIV testing with oral self-test kits and educated participants on the correct use of condoms, distributing them to encourage safe sexual practices and prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies.
Although Lhuentse district has a moderate number of HIV cases, it had not hosted prior Lhak-Sam advocacy programs, making this outreach significant for underserved communities. The team conducted the advocacy program at various venues throughout the district: Bhutan Power Corporation, Lhuntse Dzongkhag Administration, Bhutan Development Bank, Bank of Bhutan, Bhhutan National Bank, Bhutan Telecom, Dzongkhag Court, Forestry office, Lhuntse Hospital, Tangmachu BHU and RNR center, Yubja center for Conservation and Environment, Department of Roads, Autsho Hospital.
Lhak-Sam expresses gratitude to the Civil Society Organization Authority (CSOA), Dasho Dzongdag, and the District Health Officer for their support, as well as to the Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) Manager for providing the team with complimentary accommodation.
Lhak-Sam is committed to expanding its efforts across Bhutan, aiming for a healthier, stigma-free society where individuals can access essential HIV services comfortably.
Note: The advocacy team tried to reach out to schhol with awareness program but was informed that they had to follow standard protocols issued by Ministry of Education and Skills Development which forbids any external external activities.