Youth is among the most vulnerable to HIV infection. The adolescent age with its specific psychological and social attributes is more susceptible to sexual curiosity and behavior that make them particularly vulnerable to HIV infection. In India,the estimated number of young people living with HIV is 1.7 lakh (2021). Youth are especially vulnerable to the risk of HIV infection because of limited access to correct information and a lack of appropriate life skills.
Equally alarming is the fact that paid blood donors are associated with a significantly higher prevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) including HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, and Malaria. The safest blood donors are voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors from low-risk populations. In view of this, NACO/SACS has taken the initiative in promoting voluntary non-remunerated donation by establishing RRC and reaching youth to pledge to give regular blood donations to lead healthy lifestyles to protect both themselves and the recipients of their blood from HIV and other infectious agents and in addressing the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of youth in the area of HIV & AIDS and sexuality by establishing RRCs.
Red Ribbon Club formation in colleges is to encourage peer-to-peer messaging on HIV prevention and to provide a safe space for young people to seek clarifications of their doubts and myths surrounding HIV/AIDS. The RRCs also promote voluntary blood donation among youth.
As Red Ribbon Club member please educate yourself and educate others, empower them and encourage them to engage in HIV/AIDS prevention and response. Here are a few roles and responsibilities, not limited to: