World AIDS Day Awareness Program
Venue: DAMITS Campus, Rourkela
On the occasion of World AIDS Day, Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Institute of Technology and Science (DAMITS) organized an awareness program aimed at educating students and the community about HIV/AIDS. The event underscored the importance of prevention, early detection, and eliminating the stigma surrounding the disease.
Program Highlights
The event brought together students, faculty, and local health experts to discuss crucial aspects of HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.
Attendance:
- Over 150 participants attended the program, including 100 students, 20 faculty members, and 30 community representatives.
Expert Sessions:
- Dr. S. Mishra, a leading HIV specialist, delivered an insightful session on the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for HIV/AIDS.
- Ms. Priya Das, a counselor, highlighted the psychological and social aspects of living with HIV/AIDS, emphasizing the importance of empathy and support for affected individuals.
Interactive Activities:
- A quiz competition on HIV/AIDS awareness engaged over 25 students, testing and enhancing their knowledge about the disease.
- Poster-making competition: Participants created impactful posters on the theme “Know Your Status”, with 10 entries showcasing creativity and awareness.
Personal Testimony:
- A powerful testimony by Mr. Rajesh (name changed), who shared his journey of living with HIV, inspired the audience and emphasized the need for societal support and understanding.
Program Impact
The World AIDS Day program at DAMITS Campus aimed to bring about positive change by:
Raising Awareness:
- Participants learned about the myths and realities surrounding HIV/AIDS, empowering them to make informed decisions.
Promoting Testing:
- The program encouraged attendees to prioritize regular health checkups and know their HIV status through confidential testing.
Reducing Stigma:
- Open discussions and personal stories created a platform to foster empathy and eliminate the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.
Feedback and Future Plans
The event received encouraging feedback from participants:
- Ananya Das, a student, said, “This program was an eye-opener. I now understand the importance of spreading awareness and fighting stigma.”
- Mr. Ajay Kumar, a faculty member, remarked, “Such initiatives are crucial for educating the youth and creating a supportive society.”
To build on this success, DAMITS plans to:
- Host free health camps for HIV testing and counseling.
- Organize monthly awareness workshops in collaboration with local NGOs.
- Create a student-led task force to promote HIV/AIDS awareness on campus and in nearby communities.