December 6: Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck met with the students of Sherubtse College in Kanglung on December 4. The meeting is part of Her Majesty’s visit to eastern Dzongkhags as the UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador in Bhutan.

Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, the UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador in Bhutan, met with the students and lecturers of Sherubtse College.

Addressing the gathering, Her Majesty said HIV/AIDS, one of the most devastating diseases in the world, is becoming a serious threat in Bhutan as well. Her Majesty said despite enhanced efforts to prevent and control the spread of HIV/AIDS, increasing number of people are being infected with HIV/AIDS in the country.

Her Majesty said with the people becoming increasingly mobile, the risk of HIV infection has also increased. Her Majesty said it is also alarming that HIV/AIDS is being reported among drug users most of them the youth.

Her Majesty said the most vulnerable people are those between the ages of 15 to 45. Her Majesty said this is worrying because the group comprises of the most active work force and students in schools and institutes. Any adverse effect on the health of this group can have direct and adverse impact on the general welfare of the nation, Her Majesty said.

Her Majesty urged the students of Sherubtse College to play an important role not only in the fight against HIV/AIDS but also in spreading messages on other youth related issues like drug abuse, alcoholism and teenage pregnancy.

Her Majesty said HIV/AIDS increases the burden on the country’s health care system and places unmanageable demand on the country’s economy. Therefore, Her Majesty said every possible effort should be made to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Her Majesty presented a cash soelra of Nu. 100,000 to the college to educate the people in rural areas on HIV/AIDS. The students will travel across the country on foot talking to the people on HIV/AIDS.

They will start their journey on December 17 coinciding with the National day celebrations and arrive in Thimphu in the first week of January 2008.