BANDIPORA: In Bandipora, the J&K AIDS Control Society and the J&K Traffic Police Department jointly organized an awareness and training program on HIV/AIDS, the HIV ACT-2017, and drug addiction at the Dak Bungalow in Sumbal on Thursday.
The program was chaired by DySP Traffic Police, Gulzar Ahmad, with Mohammad Lateef Charoo, Senior Medical Officer (ART) from SKIMS Soura, and Sabiha Iqbal, Assistant Director, Mainstreaming (JKACS), along with SO Traffic Altaf Ahmad present in the presidium.
Assistant Director JKACS, Sabiha Iqbal, delivered the welcome address and provided insights into the objectives and aims of organizing the event. Javid Jeelani Shah delivered a presentation focusing on the prevalence of drug abuse among youth, its prevention, and associated consequences. He urged the youth and drivers to proactively combat this societal challenge.
DySP Traffic Police emphasized the significance of such initiatives in promoting community health and well-being.
Following this, Mohammad Lateef Charoo, Senior Medical Officer (ART) from SKIMS Soura, Srinagar, conducted a presentation, sensitizing the participants about the basics of HIV/AIDS, modes of transmission, and precautionary measures. He also engaged in a detailed interaction with the participants regarding the theme.
Charoo underscored the severity of the virus, highlighting the risks associated with practices such as reusing needles, engaging in unprotected sex, and contact with infected bodily fluids, which have claimed millions of lives worldwide.
The event saw attendance from journalists, drivers, and youth from the area, contributing to the dissemination of crucial information and fostering greater awareness about HIV/AIDS and drug addiction.

GOWHAR MAQBOOL