The Odisha State AIDS Control Society (OSACS) conducted a four-day workshop to help folk artists involved in campaigns against HIV/AIDS to deliver a sharper message to the rural masses and attract a larger audience.
OSACS Project Director Shreekanta Kabi inaugurated the workshop on July16 and highlighted the vital role of folk art in bringing uniformity and clarity in spreading the message of HIV/AIDS, especially in remote areas.
Information on HIV/AIDS will be disseminated in rural areas through Ghoda Nacha, Ghuduki, Pala, Daskathia, street play, magic show and Desia Nata. The artistes were imparted training on magic tricks and tightening of scripts to attract more audience.
The artistes will focus on routes of transmission, prevention, services, stigma and discrimination, etc, besides providing locations of Integrated Testing and Counselling Centres for HIV/AIDS infected people.
During the workshop, OSACS Joint Director (IEC) Dr Tripati Mishra emphasised on developing a script for the same involving different forms of folk art to ensure that a complete and informative message reaches out to the people in different corners of the State in their own language and culture.