World AIDS Day at Tibbiya College

 

Aligarh : Various programmes including an awareness drive was organised to observe World AIDS Day on the theme ‘‘End inequalities. End AIDS’ at the Department of Tahafuzzi Wa Samaji Tib, Hakim Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College, Faculty of Unani Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

Speaking to spread awareness about the disease, Prof F S Sherani (Dean, Faculty of Unani Medicine) said that this year’s theme is of utmost importance at a point in time where the pandemic has further widened inequalities among the world populations.

He added: “As there is no cure or vaccine against HIV, awareness is the only way to prevent AIDS. The lack of awareness and social taboos associated with HIV and AIDS are worsening the condition. People need to be aware for better prevention”.

“People across the globe must avoid unsafe blood transfusion, needle stick injury, reuse of syringes and blades”, said Prof Sherani.

Prof Shagufta Aleem (Principal, Hakim Ajmal Khan Tibbiya College) stressed that it is very crucial to prevent this deadly disease instead of looking for a cure.

She asserted: “It is important to use protective techniques and to make sure that people are not using contaminated needles. If someone is aware of the infection in their body, make sure they are on the right treatment path. The only weapon against HIV is your knowledge and awareness”.

Prof Rubi Anjum (Chairperson, Department of Tahafuzzi Wa Samaji Tib) shared some key measures to prevent or reduce the chance of HIV-AIDS infection.

She encouraged students and faculty members to get involved in raising awareness among the people about HIV/AIDS, its modes of transmission and preventive measures.

Dr Mohd Mohsin (Hospital In Charge) highlighted the growing inequalities in access to essential HIV services.

Dr Ammar Ibne Anwar and Dr Abdul Aziz Khan convened the awareness drive to mark the occasion. Dr M Usman was instrumental in organising the programme.

Faculty members, students, hospital staff and interns distributed awareness posters.