DSACS launches Pledge 25 Clubs

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum,

Delhi State AIDS Control Society (DSACS) is working towards

prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in NCT of Delhi and implements

National AIDS Control Programme – II of NACO (National AIDS Control

Organization), Govt. of India.

Taking a step forward in this direction DSACS organized a meeting on

ACCESS TO SAFE BLOOD in which the concept of PLEDGE 25 CLUBS was

launched by the Hon'ble Minister for Health and Social Welfare of

GNCTD Dr. Yoga Nand Shastri on 1st October 2006 at Gulmohur Hall ,

India Habitat Centre. The meeting was graced by the Vice chancellor

(DU) Shri Deepak Pental, Principal Secretary Health Sh. D.S Negi,

Additional Project Director (NACO) and was attended by many college

principals and blood transfusion officers of Delhi as well.

The meeting was organized to observe Voluntary Blood Donation Day

and on the occasion, PLEDGE 25 clubs were inaugurated by the Hon'ble

Minister to promote Voluntary Blood Donation and enhance HIV AIDS

Awareness amongst youth. Since the proportion of voluntary blood

donation is only 25% in Delhi , these clubs are aimed at improving

this figure to bring about better blood safety.

PLEDGE 25 CLUB

PLEDGE 25 CLUB: a place where you get to be with like-minded

friends.

PLEDGE 25 CLUB: the venue where you get a chance to show your love

for humanity by contributing to saving lives.

PLEDGE 25 CLUB: the forum that shoulders the responsibility to

building a healthy India .

The club invites Responsible, Motivated, Dedicated, Committed,

persons who are above 18 years of age to become one of the unheard &

unsung heroes by becoming an altruistic healthy blood donor

BACKGROUND:

PLEDGE 25 CLUB is a concept, adapted from a scheme started in

Zimbabwe in 1989. The Pledge required members to commit to making 25

blood donations by 25 years of age. It is functioning in many

countries under the title " INTERNATIONAL CLUB 25 " , as a dynamic,

global youth movement with focus on voluntary blood donation and

healthy life style. It is a model for every country striving to

ensure that all patients requiring transfusion have access to safe

blood.

RATIONALE

Statistics on HIV AIDS show that youth (15- 24 yrs) are highly

vulnerable to HIV infection due to their natural curiosity and lack

of information. On the other hand studies all over the world have

proven that their energies can be channelized positively and they

have the potential to act as peer leaders to influence behaviour

change and promote healthy lifestyle. PLEDGE 25 CLUB is aimed to

reinforce positive behaviour among the youth, in addition to

fulfilling the aim of ensuring a safe blood supply through Voluntary

Blood donation.

OBJECTIVES

To encourage social responsibility and health promotion among youth

through voluntary blood donation

To enhance awareness on HIV AIDS prevention and promote responsible

behaviour and act as youth ambassadors

MODEL

The concept of PLEDGE 25 CLUB has been customized for introduction

in all colleges and educational institutions of Delhi . It will be

implemented under the guidance of a college programme officer, a

nodal person designated by the Principal, preferably a faculty

member incharge of NSS, through peer coordinators designated from

amongst the students. The club will be a permanent feature of all

universities. Membership will be open to all students and is

voluntary. It will also serve as a unique place, which doubles up as

a resource center for health information and career guidance, HIV

AIDS awareness and issues related to sexuality, besides being a

venue for fun.

PLEDGE:

I take a solemn pledge to make atleast 25 blood donations in my lifetime.

I make a commitment to donate atleast 2 times in a year.

I pledge to take utmost care of my health and maintain quality

lifestyle and remain HIV sero negative.

I resolve to take all steps to disseminate information on HIV AIDS

and healthy living to all.

I ensure to leave no stone unturned in motivating my friends and

peers to take this pledge.

I will keep the lamp of knowledge burning to achieve this vision.

ACTIVITIES

Register as a repeat blood donor and coordinate with the nearest

government blood bank

Conduct awareness programmes on HIV/ AIDS and STD

Motivate eligible blood donors and dispel the myths and

misconceptions related to blood donation

Link with University counseling and testing centers for organizing

training programmes

Organize blood donation camps.

Conduct IEC activities during college festivals and orientation

programmes at admission.

BENEFITS

Recognition as role models promoting the cause of voluntary blood

donation

Access to full information on health and HIV AIDS prevention

Acquisition of leadership skills and social competence

Opportunity to participate in capacity building workshops.

Mental satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment

Mateen Khan

Documentation & Publicity Officer

Delhi State AIDS Control Society

e-mail: <khanmateen18@...>