SARBHANG

February 4: Prior to her departure to Thimphu this morning, Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck visited the Jigmeling police training centre and met with the staff, the trainees and their family members to create awareness on HIV/AIDS, family planning and reproductive health.

The programme officer from the Health Ministry Dr. Gyembo Dorji asked the gathering to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country. He said it is the responsibility of every citizen to combat the spread of the virus.

The meeting also saw discussions on the importance of family planning, reproductive health, cervical cancer and the importance of undergoing pap-smear. 

On Tuesday evening, Her Majesty the Queen Mother met with the Multi-Sector Task Force (MSTF) members in Gelephu. 

The Dzongkhag MSTF coordinator presented the annual progress report for 2007-2008. He also highlighted the plans and programs to control HIV/AIDS through various programmes in the future.

Health officials urged the MSTF members to help promote condom use, educate people on the risks of casual sex and sex with multiple partners, Dr. Gyembo Dorji, the programme officer from the Health Ministry said MSTF is also planning to launch a web site to counsel and share information about HIV/AIDS, not only for the general public but also among HIV/AIDS infected people.