World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day, recognized globally on 1st December each year, holds significant importance in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. In line with this, the Department of Community Medicine at NSHS collaborated with the National AIDS Control Program (NACP) to host an HIV/AIDS awareness session on 4th December, 2023.
The session aimed to amplify public understanding of the expanding HIV epidemic in Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal, Agenda 2030 – particularly Target 3 on Health and Wellbeing, and its pursuit of Universal Health Coverage and Essential Health Services Package were highlighted. The theme for World AIDS Day 2023 was “Let the Communities Lead.”
The distinguished keynote speaker, Dr. Saima Paracha, technical advisor at the National AIDS Control Program, emphasized the urgent need for increased resources to enhance disease-specific literacy and promote mass awareness for HIV/AIDS prevention and control. She underscored the importance of engaging various segments of society, including academia, community influencers, researchers, and the youth.
Dr. Ayesha Babar Kawish, Head of the School of Public Health at Al-Shifa Eye Trust Hospital in Rawalpindi, shared insights on ensuring sexual and reproductive health for individuals living with HIV. Her expertise in maternal and child health enriched the seminar’s academic discourse.
Dr. Humaira Irshad, a health officer at UNICEF and focal person for HIV/AIDS at UNICEF Islamabad, shed light on the impact of HIV/AIDS on affected children’s health and lives.
The seminar concluded with remarks from Prof. Dr. Azhar Qayyum, HoD Pathology, who acknowledged the speakers’ valuable contributions. Prof. Dr. Farhan Akhtar, VP of NSHS, presented souvenir shields to the guest speakers.
The event’s success was attributed to the collaborative efforts of Prof. Dr. Farah Rashid (HoD Community Medicine), Dr. Zille Huma (Associate professor), and their dedicated team from the Department of Community Medicine, NSHS. Ms. Ammara Omar, the training coordinator at National AIDS Control Program, played a pivotal role by providing resources and actively cooperating to ensure the session’s success.
The seminar fostered an interactive environment, captivating a diverse audience comprising of faculty members and students from NSHS, ASAB, and SMME. Thought-provoking discussions ensued, reflecting the session’s significance within the academic community.
The NSHS faculty and administration appreciated the Department of Community Medicine for their exceptional management of the seminar. The thought-provoking presentations and active involvement of the audience significantly contributed to the success of the event, signifying progress in fostering a culture of sharing knowledge and scholarly engagement within the institution.