Faculty and students listen as Manager-cum-Counsellor, SSK, District Hospital, Dimapur, Pauramzeule (inset), addresses an HIV/AIDS Awareness and Testing Campaign at Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) on September 23. (Photo Courtesy: PCC)
Chümoukedima, September 23 (MExN): Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) organised an HIV/AIDS Awareness and Testing Campaign on September 23, focusing on prevention, early testing, accurate information and reducing stigma and discrimination associated with HIV.
The campaign was organised during the morning chapel by the college’s Red Cross, National Service Scheme (NSS) and Red Ribbon Club in collaboration with Sampoorna Suraksha Kendra (SSK), District Hospital, Dimapur; Mobile Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC), Dimapur; and the Nagaland AIDS Control Society.
Addressing the event, Pauramzeule, Manager-cum-Counsellor, SSK, District Hospital, Dimapur, covered HIV transmission, prevention, testing and treatment. She explained to the students that HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles or syringes, mother-to-child transmission, and transfusion of infected blood.
To this end, she encouraged students to adopt safe practices, avoid sharing needles and syringes, ensure proper screening of blood for transfusion and undergo testing when appropriate.
She stressed the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment, noting that while there is currently no cure that eliminates HIV from the body, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress the virus and enable people living with HIV to lead longer and healthier lives.
The session also sought to dispel common misconceptions about HIV transmission.
Students were informed that HIV is not spread through ordinary social contact such as shaking hands, hugging, sharing food or utensils, using common toilets, or sitting and studying together.
Pauramzeule further highlighted confidentiality, informed consent and protection from discrimination, principles recognised under the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017.
Students were encouraged to share accurate information with their families and communities and contribute to efforts to prevent new infections and reduce misinformation and stigma, according to a press release from the college.
HIV testing facilities were also made available to students following the awareness session. The programme also included a ‘singspiration’ led by the Departments of Commerce and Mass Communication, the release added.
