Dept of Psychology, JU organises Workshop on Awareness Cum Training on HIV/AIDS & HIV ACT 2017
Jammu, Dec 22: The Department of Psychology, University of Jammu organized a workshop on “Awareness cum training on HIV/AIDS & HIV Act 2017 in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society, Department of Health and Medical Education, J&K on Thursday, 22th December 2022.
Dr. Bhavna Langer, Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, GMC, Jammu and Ms. Sabiha Iqbal, Assistant Director (Mainstreaming) Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society were the resource persons. Prof Jasbir Singh, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Head, Department of Psychology formally welcomed the resource persons and the participants.
Dr. Bhavna lucidly explained about HIV, epidemiology of AIDS and its prevention. She discussed about the modes of transmission of HIV and the tests available for laboratory diagnosis. Dr. Langer apprized the participants about the role of the Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers (ICTC).
Drawing the attention of the participants on the goals of our country to end AIDS by 2030, she mentioned of adoption of the 90-90-90 target. It refers to “90% of PLHIV know their status, of which 90% of PLHIV are on treatment, of which 90% of PLHIV have viral suppression”.
Further, to enhance knowledge among general population, to sustain behaviour change, to generate demand for care, support and treatment services, and to change societal norms, information education communication (IEC) is necessary. She also mentioned of functioning of Red Ribbon Club in the higher education institutions. Dr. Bhavna informed the participants about ‘Suraksha Clinics’ established by National AIDS Control Organisation for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and reproductive tract infections
In a separate session, Ms. Sabiha Iqbal elaborated on HIV Act 2017 and its chapters. The act seeks to safeguard the rights of PLHIV, address stigma and discrimination and creating an enabling environment. She said that, there are several welfare measures by the Central Government and State Government for the promotion of HIV and AIDS related communication programs. Further, she expounded the promotion of strategies for reduction of risk.
The sessions were followed by addressing of several queries by the enthusiastic students and scholars regarding spread and containing of the infection. All the myths about HIV/AIDS were clarified by the resource persons. About 100 Students and Research Scholars of the Department of Psychology and Department of Philosophy participated in the workshop. Dr. Pallvi Sachdeva, faculty members from Department of Philosophy and Department of Psychology were also present. The workshop ended with the presentation of vote of thanks by Ms Riffat Malik.
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