Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 1: On the occasion of World AIDS Day, awareness programmes were organized across multiple institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting this year’s global themes and stressing prevention, stigma-free healthcare, early diagnosis, and community participation.
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Secretary Health & Medical Education, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, presided over the UT-level World AIDS Day function organized by the J&K AIDS Control Society at the Convention Centre, Jammu. He underscored the impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals’ lives and the shared responsibility in addressing public health challenges. Dignitaries later visited awareness booths displaying IEC material, free HIV testing, TB awareness, AYUSH services, Tele-MANAS, yoga demonstrations and NHM-supported medicine distribution. They also reviewed posters and canvas paintings created by Red Ribbon Club students. Earlier, Project Director Dr Jehangir Bakshi briefed on JKACS initiatives. The programme included cultural performances, with students presenting dances to enhance public awareness.
JKSPYM TI Jammu, in collaboration with J&K AIDS Control Society, organized a walkathon themed “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.” Flagged off by Dr Monika Wali and Dr Malooqa, the rally started from Toph Bridge and concluded at Walkway Park near Pawan Ice Cream. Around 220 students from SMVDCON Katra and BEE ENN College of Nursing participated enthusiastically. The programme concluded with a nukkad natak on drug abuse and HIV awareness.
District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Udhampur, under the guidance of Chairman Virinder Singh Bhou and Secretary Sumati Sharma, organized an awareness program at Government District Hospital Udhampur to mark World AIDS Day. Resource persons Akashdeep, Additional Special Mobile Magistrate, and Advocate Sanjeet Kumar addressed participants on HIV testing, treatment adherence, and reducing stigma. They stressed the need for community support to ensure better quality of life for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Doctors from the hospital also shared expert insights on effective HIV/AIDS management and treatment.
GDC Vijaypur held a marathon dedicating it to HIV awareness. Led by Principal Dr Ashu Vashisht, the event encouraged students to promote a healthy lifestyle and sensitivity toward public health issues. Faculty members including Prof Mamta Gupta, Dr A K Bhagat, Dr Manoj Heer, Dr Naseem Chowdhary and others coordinated the programme. The event concluded with participants pledging to build an informed, inclusive, and socially responsible community.
Red Ribbon Club of MAM College organized an awareness lecture under the guidance of Principal Prof Archana Kaul. Dr Sandeep Dogra delivered an in-depth presentation on disruptions affecting HIV prevention, diagnosis, and management, highlighting the need for transformative approaches. Students from all semesters participated and interacted actively, seeking clarity on prevention, treatment and emerging research.
GDC Ramnagar observed the day under the theme “Rethink, Rebuild, Rise.” Principal Dr B C Anthal urged students to challenge stigma, strengthen awareness-based efforts and support affected individuals. A symposium with ten participants formed the core of the event, with Sneha Jamwal, Diksha Thakur and Joginder Paul adjudged winners. The programme was coordinated by Prof Ritika Mahajan.
The Red Ribbon Club and NSS unit of GDC Paloura organized a Poster Making Competition on the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.” Principal Dr Kulvinder Kour highlighted the importance of awareness, empathy, and dispelling myths associated with HIV. Convener Prof Moni Mehra emphasised society’s role in fighting stigma. Twenty students participated, with Tarun Mehra winning first prize, followed by Tanu Kumari and Khushi Baldotra.
GDC Ramgarh organized a Poster Making Competition to promote awareness and reduce stigma. Principal Dr Meeru Abrol briefed students on the global significance of the Day and the need for informed understanding. Convener Dr Sandeep Kumari sensitised participants about preventive measures and societal responsibility. The event was conducted by Dr Bisat Tariq and Dr Neha Bharti.
Bhartiya Lok Sangeet Kala Sansthan, in coordination with the Ministry of Culture and J&K State AIDS Prevention & Control Society, concluded a three-day World AIDS Day awareness campaign at Government High School, Sure Chak, Jammu. Over 250 students and teachers took a pledge under the 2025 theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response.” The program featured skits, songs, and cultural presentations to spread awareness about HIV transmission, prevention, and the need for a human-rights-centered response.
GDC Kathua, in collaboration with DLSA, organized an awareness lecture under Principal Dr Savi Behl. Dr Yash Pal Sharma introduced the theme, while NSS officers highlighted social responsibility. Panel Lawyers Puneet Kumari and Sunanda Sharma delivered a detailed session on legal rights of HIV-positive individuals under the HIV & AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017. They clarified confidentiality provisions, anti-discrimination safeguards, and Government support schemes.
S G GDC Doongi marked the observance with an extension lecture by Dr Mohammed Fareed, who stressed rebuilding disrupted health services and increasing youth-led awareness. A poster competition followed, where Tanya Sharma secured first position, Rupali Heer and Khushboo Khan shared second, and Ansh Kumar placed third.
GDC Darhal organized an awareness programme under Principal Prof Zamir Ahmed Mirza. Dr Abdul Ghani delivered a comprehensive lecture on global HIV trends and the need for prevention, early detection and accessibility. Dr Mohd Akhlaq highlighted the heightened vulnerability of women and girls due to gender-based inequalities. The programme reinforced the theme of collective responsibility and rights-based healthcare.
The Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine, GMC Rajouri held a programme under Principal Dr A S Bhatia and MS Dr Shamim Ahmed. Speakers Dr Sayed Shuja Qadri, Dr Izna and Dr Javaid Iqbal discussed transmission, prevention, testing and stigma reduction. Safe blood donation demonstrations and counselling sessions were held to dispel myths and promote early diagnosis and treatment access.
GDC Majalta organized an awareness rally under the convenership of Dr Dalip Kumar and guidance of Principal Prof (Dr) Shalini Sharma. Around 80 students marched from Battal Chowk, displaying placards and interacting with locals to promote informed understanding, early testing, and compassionate behaviour. The rally highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in combating stigma.
GDC Thannamandi held a comprehensive programme under Prof (Dr) Farooq Ahmed. Dr Shiraz Ahmad explained immune deficiency, CD4 function, and preventive strategies, while Dr Gulshan Rashid and Dr Nazakat Hussain elaborated on causes, social impact and the need for awareness. A poster competition was organized and a human chain was formed as a gesture of solidarity.
GDC Marheen formed a human chain under Principal Prof (Dr) Anupama Gupta to emphasize empowerment, education and community action. Prof Gupta urged students to spread awareness and counter myths at the community level. The event was coordinated by Dr Balbinder Singh and Dr Munisha Devi, with the participation of faculty members.
GCW Udhampur organized a nukkad natak followed by an awareness pledge under Principal Dr Nalini Pathania. Prof Lekh Raj addressed participants on prevention, stigma reduction and collective responsibility. Students from the Department of Music performed an impactful street play that engaged the audience effectively.
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