Srinagar, Dec 02 ; Marking World AIDS Day, a significant health outreach initiative combining an HIV awareness programme with a free oral health treatment camp was successfully conducted on Monday at the Institute of Technology (IOT), Zakura Campus, University of Kashmir.
The event was organized by the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital (GDC&H), Srinagar, in collaboration with the Health Centre of the IOT, Zakura Campus. The camp was inaugurated under the leadership of Prof. M. Tariq Banday, Dean and Director of IOT.
This collaborative effort was initiated by Prof. (Dr.) Sandeep Kaur Bali, Principal/Dean of GDC&H, and Prof. M. Tariq Banday, and was coordinated on-site by Dr. Iqra Mehraj, Medical Officer at the Zakura Campus Health Centre.
The programme underscored the critical importance of HIV awareness in the modern era, emphasizing that disseminating accurate information and reducing stigma are fundamental to community health. As part of the awareness drive, Dr. Aasim Farooq Shah, Head of the Department of Public Health Dentistry, and Dr. Asif Yousuf, Assistant Professor, delivered an informative lecture. They addressed HIV/AIDS transmission, preventive measures, and the vital role of oral health in overall well-being.
In a powerful address, Prof. M. Tariq Banday advocated for ending discrimination against people living with HIV and commended the organizers for bringing this essential outreach to students and staff.
The lecture further elaborated on how awareness combats stigma, promotes empathy and social inclusion, encourages early testing, and fosters safer environments in workplaces and educational institutions.
The accompanying oral health camp saw an overwhelming response, with over 120 patients receiving free consultations. A team led by Dr. Aasim Farooq Shah, and including Dr. Asifa Ashraf (Registrar), Dr. Mohammad Hanif (Dental Surgeon), and a group of dental interns, provided on-the-spot treatments and free medicines. The initiative highlighted the particular importance of oral health for people living with HIV, as it aids in preventing infections and enabling early disease detection.
The event concluded with enthusiastic participation from students, employees, and hostel residents. It reinforced key public health messages: that HIV is preventable and manageable, that early testing and treatment are crucial, and that solidarity and support, not discrimination, are essential in the global response to HIV/AIDS. The camp reaffirmed the commitment of both institutions to promoting essential healthcare awareness within the community.
