Srinagar: The Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society observed World AIDS Day 2024 on December 2, under the global theme “Take the rights path: My health, my right!.” This event brought together medical professionals, policymakers and students to renew their commitment to combating HIV/AIDS through awareness, education, and action.
The commemoration was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar, who emphasized the importance of sustained efforts in prevention, early detection, and treatment.
The program featured a scientific session with renowned experts addressing the various facets of HIV infection and shared insights into the latest advancements in HIV/AIDS research, focused deliberations on high risk groups, treatment and counselling, and the importance of community engagement in eradicating the disease.Prof.(Dr.) S.Muhammad. Salim Khan, Head of the Department Community Medicine, delivered the keynote address. Prof. (Dr.) M. Iqbal Pandit, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar highlighted the global scenario of HIV/AIDS and Mr. Imtiyaz Khan, Assistant Director, Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society presented the local scenario. Dr. Lateef Charoo, In-charge ART centre, SKIMS, delivered a comprehensive lecture on the role of antiretroviral therapy and counselling. Dr. Fazle Roub, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry addressed the role of the current substance use epidemic in the spread of AIDS. Dr. Khalid Bashir, Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar, shared the results of original research conducted by the Department of Community Medicine, GMC, Srinagar.
Undergraduate students from Government Medical College, Srinagar and SKIMS Medical College and Hospital, Bemina, showcased their creativity through posters reflecting different aspects of the disease burden and global efforts to tackle the same.
The event also included an inter- departmental and inter-institutional quiz competition conducted among post-graduate students from departments of Community Medicine, Microbiology, Medicine Government Medical College, Srinagar as well as Department of Community Medicine, SKIMS, Soura. Dr. Glory Eric, Dr. Sumaira Farooq and
Dr. Muneeb Shah from the Department of Community Medicine, SKIMS, Soura emerged the winners of the quiz competition. Ms Madiha Manzoor, Ms Bilqueesa, Ms Syed Rimsha and Ms. Tahira Wanan bagged 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions respectively in the poster competition which was judged by Prof. (Dr.) Asifa Nazir,HeadoftheDepartment, Microbiologyand Prof. (Dr.) Sheema Sheikh, Department of Pathology.
Dr. Shahroz Nabi and Dr. Heena, Senior Residents, Department of Community Medicine and Dr. Farheen, PG scholar, members Organising Committee ensured smooth conduction of the event. Organising secretaries for the event Dr. Kouser Sideeq, Dr. Sameena Yousuf and Dr. Rifat Jan, Assistant Professors, Department of Community Medicine reiterated the commitment of Government Medical College, Srinagar, towards building a future free of AIDS through collaborative efforts in healthcare, education, and advocacy.