HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign on Worlds AIDS Day at TMU
In a commendable initiative, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, the best private university in UP, organised an impactful HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign on December 1, 2023. The event was hosted by the Department of Community Medicine, Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College & Research Centre in association with the National AIDS Trust. Let's delve into the details of this noteworthy event that aimed to raise awareness, dispel myths, sensitise students, and promote preventive measures.
Purpose of the event
The initiative aimed to empower communities with knowledge and foster a sense of responsibility towards HIV prevention. The HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign successfully engaged students and faculty members through red ribbon distribution, health talks, interactive sessions, and informative discussions.
Event Highlights
The Department of Community Medicine, Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College & Research Centre, orchestrated two impactful events at St. Mary’s School, Moradabad, and J.S. Hindu PG College, Kailsa, on December 1, 2023. Led by the Department of Community Medicine in association with the National AIDS Trust, these events were designed to educate and sensitise the community about the critical aspects of HIV/AIDS.
Red Ribbon Distribution at St. Mary's School
The campaign at St. Mary's School was spearheaded by Dr. Sadhna, Dr. Shilpa, Dr. Shweta and Dr. Umme Afifa. The event commenced with the distribution of red ribbons to 9th and 11th-grade girls, symbolising solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The March past, adorned with awareness slogans, added a vibrant touch to the campaign. The participants chanted slogans like Prevention is better than cure and Say ‘No’ to used Needles, creating a powerful impact.
A health talk followed, covering crucial topics such as AIDS prevention, spread, symptoms, high-risk groups, treatment, and dispelling prevalent myths. The interactive session, led by Dr. Sadhna, provided a platform for students to address their queries and concerns.
Red Ribbon Distribution at J.S. Hindu PG College
At J.S. Hindu PG College, the leadership of Dr. Pooja Sindwani, Dr. Aftab Ahmad, and Dr. Shadwali Jha ensured a seamless and informative campaign. Dr. Saurabh Agarwal, Director of J.S. Hindu College, and Prof Nikhil Das, Head of Psychology, graced the event as guests. The red ribbon distribution extended to faculty members, emphasising the importance of community-wide participation. Discussions covered various aspects, including HIV/AIDS transmission, myths, facts, ICTC setup, services, treatments, and preventive measures. A poster-making competition was also organised by the faculty of Community Medicine for interns, adding an extra layer of interest to the campaign.
Key insights and takeaways
A distinctive feature of this awareness campaign was the incorporation of psychological insights into the discussions. Prof Nikhil Das shed light on the psychological aspects of individuals dealing with AIDS, enhancing the audience's understanding of the broader impact of the disease. In a commendable move, free sanitary napkins were distributed among female students, addressing menstrual health alongside HIV/AIDS awareness. This inclusive approach tailored activities for different audiences, making the campaign more impactful and relevant.
Significance of the event
The HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign at Teerthanker Mahaveer University highlighted the university’s commitment to community welfare. The initiative successfully engaged students, faculty, and the community by disseminating knowledge, dispelling myths, and fostering a sense of responsibility.
FAQs
Q: How can I get involved in similar awareness campaigns at Teerthanker Mahaveer University?
A: For information on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, follow TMU’s social media.
Q: How can I stay informed about health-related events at Teerthanker Mahaveer University?
A: Follow the university's official channels and the community medicine department for regular updates on health-related events and campaigns.
Q: What role does the National AIDS Trust play in these awareness campaigns?
A: The National AIDS Trust collaborated with the university and supported its commendable initiative.
