World AIDS Day functions held at different places across Kashmir

SHAKEELA ANDRABI

SRINAGAR: World AIDS Day was observed across Kashmir hospitals. During the programs, comprehensive health education was given regarding disease and measures to prevent it.
A day long programme on World AIDS Day was conducted at the auditorium of Government College Srinagar which was organised by the Department of Community Medicine, Srinagar commemorated the event by organising an array of activities. Prof.(Dr.) M. Iqbal Pandit, Department of Community Medicine and the Organising Chairperson, delivered the welcome address and the introductory remarks.
The programme was inaugurated by the Chief Guest for the occasion, Principal and Dean, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Prof. (Dr.) Masood Tanvir, emphasized that the growing burden of HIV infection has varied implications on physical, social and financial aspects of population.He further elaborated on the theme for this year compaighn ‘Let Communities Lead’.
Prof.(Dr.) S.M.Salim Khan, Head of the Department, Community Medicine and Chairperson for the event delivered the keynote address elucidating HIV/AIDS epidemiology and changing trends with regard to the Kashmiri population.He said World AIDS Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made to date,to raise awareness about the challenges that remain to achieve goals of ending AIDS by 2030 and mobilize all stakeholders to jointly redouble efforts to ensure the success of the HIV control response. He added that due to the stigma and discrimination associated with the disease ,the people are not coming forward for HIV testing .
Khan Imtiyaz Ahamad, Assistant Director, Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society, spoke about the current scenario of HIV/AIDS in Jammu and Kashmir. There are 6158 HIV positive patients registered with ART centres in J and K since the inception of J&K AIDS Control Society in 1992 and the prevalence of HIV in UT is much below the National prevalence of 0.21%.
The Department of Community Medicine had organised health education video, quiz and essay writing competitions among the undergraduate students
The Health Education Videos were adjudged by Prof. Bilal Ahmad Sheikh,Head of the Department, Pathology and Dr. Asifa Nazir, Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology. Sadiya, Geeta, Anuj, Avishek and Antariksh secured the first position. Prof. Ghulam Mohammad Bhat was the judge for the essay writing competition wherein Zobia, Shaista and Zehra secured 1st, 2nd and 3rd place respectively.
The winners of the quiz competition were Basit Riyaz, Adnan Javeed and Mohassan. All the winners were awarded medals and certificates of merit, whereas all contestants received certificates of participation. The event concluded after the valedictory session where all the dignitaries were presented with mementoes as a token of appreciation. Dr. Sameena Yousuf Dar, Lecturer, Department of Community Medicine and Co- Organising Secretary, along with Dr. Kouser Sideeq, delivered the vote of thanks .
A similar program was conducted at SDH Hazratbal during which doctors emphasised the importance of awareness about HIV/ AIDS among the population.
Earlier World AIDS Day 2023 activity was held at Government College of Education, Moulana Azad Road Srinagar organised by Red Ribbon Club in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society, Department of Health and Medical Education and Higher Education Department.
Speaking on the occasion, health experts urged the common people, students and educationists around the world to unite to show support for people living with HIV infection and to remember those who have lost their lives from AIDS -related illnesses.