SKIMS observes World AIDS Day

Srinagar, Dec 1: The Department of General Medicine SKIMS today celebrated World AIDS Day on this year's theme "Let Communities Lead".

The academic event was aimed to create awareness about the disease which is largely prevalent in the world.

Director SKIMS & EOSG Prof. Parvaiz A Koul who was chief guest on the occasion congratulated the organisers for conducting the event and highly appreciated ART Centre SKIMS for their services in managing the disease. “Many myths have got busted over the years about the disease through awareness campaigns and programs and added that more such programs are needed with focus on prevention of the disease and deprecating high risk behaviour,” Prof Koul said. He stressed on the role of communities as significant in this course of action.

Dean Medical Faculty Prof. Bashir A. Laway appreciated the efforts of the organising committee in successfully conducting the event. Prof. Laway said that the ultimate goal is HIV free world and more such programs are needed in this direction, he added.

HOD, General Medicine & Organising Chairman of the event Prof. Fayaz A. Sofi welcomed and thanked all participants and said that there is a need to acknowledge the challenges around the disease and underscored the importance of awareness programs towards achieving an HIV free world.

Co-organising Chairman & Head Infectious Diseases Unit Prof. Aijaz Nabi Koul in his address gave an overview of the disease and highlighted the importance of World AIDS Day. He said 40 million people are affected due to the disease and attributed 39 million deaths to the disease. He stressed on strategies to prevent the disease, suspecting people with the disease and diagnosis and treatment.

After the inaugural session the experts gave presentations on various topics including the current view of AIDS/HIV presented by Dr. Suhail Mantoo, Preventive  measures for HIV/AIDS presented by Dr. Fayaz A. Bhat and Psychological- socio aspects presented by Dr. Farhana Suraj.

The event was attended by various HOD's, faculty, postgraduates, and students from nursing colleges. The event was concluded by vote of thanks presented by Dr. Muzaffar A. Bindroo.