Awantipora (J&K): In a collaborative effort with the Jammu Kashmir AIDS Control Society (JKACS), Department of Health and Medical Education, J&K Govt. and Jammu & Kashmir Paramedical & Nursing Council under the constitution of the Red Ribbon Club, the Mantaqi Memorial College of Nursing and Medical Technology (SMMCN&MT) at IUST hosted a week-long World AIDS Day program from December 1st to 5th, 2023.
The event, chaired by Ms. Asmat Parveen, Principal of SMMCN&MT, centered around the theme “LET COMMUNITIES LEAD.” During the inaugural session, Ms. Asmat Parveen welcomed esteemed guests, including Prof. Mohd. Ayoub Qadri, Dean of Health Sciences, and Dr. Muzaffar Macha, HOD of Watson & Crick Molecular Medicine.
Ms. Parveen highlighted the significance of the day, pointing out that national adult HIV prevalence has steadily declined from 0.55% in 2000 to 0.21% in 2021. She emphasized the alarming prevalence in the northeast region states and the importance of addressing discrimination against AIDS patients within society.
Prof. Mohd. Ayoub Qadri stressed the importance of World AIDS Day, emphasizing the theme of community-led initiatives. He commended SMMCN&MT and Ms. Asmat Parveen for consistently organizing events that contribute to societal awareness.
The dean encouraged students to be torchbearers of awareness in the community. The program kicked off with a debate competition involving nursing students from SMMCN&MT, followed by a poster-making competition, rangoli-making, and a human chain focusing on AIDS-related topics.
The participants were recognized with prizes, and all attendees received certificates of participation, while the scientific session began with the distribution of pamphlets among participants, aiming to disseminate crucial information about AIDS.
Ms. Nadiya Rashid, a teaching faculty member at SMMCN&MT, extended a vote of thanks, officially concluding the inaugural session.
Overall, the event successfully combined educational and creative activities to raise awareness about AIDS, aligning with the goal of empowering communities to take the lead in combating the epidemic.
