World AIDS Day Commemorated at Mother Mary Institute of Nursing by District Drug De-addiction Rehabilitation CenterAwareness is crucial for prevention — Free HIV/AIDS treatment available at government health facilities: Dr. Swati DMC

Hoshiarpur/Daljeet Ajnoha/Nov.29
Under the directives of Honorable Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain, IAS, Hoshiarpur, the District Drug De-addiction Rehabilitation Center, led by Dr. Swati Shihrmar, Deputy Medical Commissioner, and Dr. Jasleen Kaur, Medical Officer Incharge of the Drug De-addiction Center, with the presence of Principal Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, organized a special event to observe World AIDS Day at Mother Mary Institute of Nursing, Nasrala.The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day was “Going Beyond Barriers to Transform the AIDS Response,” aimed at raising awareness among students.During the event, Dr. Swati Shihrmar provided an in-depth briefing on the causes, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS. She highlighted that HIV testing, counseling, and treatment services are available completely free of cost at government health institutions in the district. She further explained that ICTC centers conduct infection testing and counseling, whereas ART centers provide ongoing treatment to HIV-positive patients.Dr. Jasleen Kaur addressed the students to dispel myths surrounding HIV/AIDS, stressed the importance of eradicating social stigma, and encouraged the adoption of safety measures.Counselors Parminder Kaur and Prashant informed attendees about the physical, mental, and social consequences of substance abuse and outlined the services available for prevention and rehabilitation.A poster-making competition was also conducted, encouraging students to create awareness messages on AIDS. Harleen Kaur secured first place, followed by Ramandeep Kaur in second, Kairal Sidhu in third, and Naresh Singh as runner-up.The program concluded with a collective call to the audience to promote HIV/AIDS prevention, embrace safe lifestyles, and actively spread awareness throughout the community.