World AIDS Day Commemorated at GMC Srinagar
The Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, in collaboration with the 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!" The event brought together medical professionals, policymakers, and students to reaffirm their dedication to combating HIV/AIDS through awareness, education, and action.
The commemoration was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal of GMC Srinagar, who emphasized the need for sustained efforts in prevention, early detection, and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
The program featured a scientific session where renowned experts addressed various aspects of HIV infection, including the latest advancements in research, challenges faced by high-risk groups, treatment protocols, counseling, and the role of community engagement in eradicating the disease. Prof. (Dr.) S. Muhammad Salim Khan, Head of the Department of Community Medicine, delivered the keynote address. Prof. (Dr.) M. Iqbal Pandit highlighted the global scenario of HIV/AIDS, while Mr. Imtiyaz Khan, Assistant Director of the Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Control Society, discussed the local situation.
Dr. Lateef Charoo, In-charge of the ART Centre at SKIMS, presented a comprehensive lecture on the role of antiretroviral therapy and counseling. Dr. Fazle Roub, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, addressed the growing challenge of HIV spread linked to substance abuse, particularly among injecting drug users. Dr. Khalid Bashir, Senior Resident in the Department of Community Medicine, shared findings from original research conducted by GMC Srinagar.
Undergraduate students from GMC Srinagar and SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, showcased creative posters depicting various facets of the HIV/AIDS burden and global mitigation efforts.
An inter-departmental and inter-institutional quiz competition for postgraduate students from GMC Srinagar and SKIMS, Soura, was also held. Dr. Glory Eric, Dr. Sumaira Farooq, and Dr. Muneeb Shah from SKIMS, Soura, emerged as winners. In the poster competition, Ms. Madiha Manzoor, Ms. Bilqueesa, Ms. Syed Rimsha, and Ms. Tahira Wanan secured the top three positions. The competition was judged by Prof. (Dr.) Asifa Nazir, Head of the Department of Microbiology, and Prof. (Dr.) Sheema Sheikh from the Department of Pathology.
The event’s seamless execution was ensured by organizing committee members Dr. Shahroz Nabi, Dr. Heena, and Dr. Farheen. The organizing secretaries, Dr. Kouser Sideeq, Dr. Sameena Yousuf, and Dr. Rifat Jan, Assistant Professors in the Department of Community Medicine, reiterated GMC Srinagar’s commitment to eliminating AIDS through collaborative efforts in healthcare, education, and advocacy.
A significant challenge discussed during the event was the emergence of HIV among injecting drug users in Kashmir, many of whom are also affected by Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Although Jammu and Kashmir is still considered a low-prevalence region with approximately 6,500 detected HIV cases to date, the increasing spread of HIV among injecting drug users presents a growing public health concern.