SOPORE: J&K AIDS control Society incollaboration with Sopore Police organised an awarness cum training program on HIV/AIDs, HIV/AIDS Act, 2017 and Drug De-addiction for Police Personnel in DPL Sopore on Wednesday.
The programme was conducted as per the directioms of Dr Jahangir Bakshi, Project Director, J&K AIDS Control Society aimed to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and the related issues like Drug Addition focusing on the prevention, treatment, and reducing stigma. Participants were educated on various aspects of the disease, including modes of transmission, preventive measures, and available treatments.
Imtiyaz Ahmad Khan, Assistant Director, delivered an insightful lecture on the basics of HIV/AIDS and the various components under the National AIDS Control Programme. He elaborated in detail on key aspects such as Information, Education, and Communication (IEC), which is one of the most important components under National AIDS Control Programme (NACP V).
He also spoke about different intervention strategies adopted to prevent and control the spread of HIV/AIDS under NACP V being implemented in the UT of J&K through the J&K AIDS Control Society and also updated the police officers and health workers about the exclusive schemes for the people living with HIV/AIDS. These include financial assistance, free diagnostic and testing services, and free legal aid etc.
Speaking at the event, Ms Sabiha Iqbal, Assistant Director of the J&K AIDS Control Society highlighted the importance of inter-agency collaboration in promoting public health. She emphasized the Society’s ongoing partnerships with organizations such as the police, CRPF, and Army and other crucial departments to reach diverse sections of the society.
She widely discussed the HIV and AIDS Act, 2017 and informed the audience of the different provisions of the Act.
The HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, is a landmark Indian legislation aimed at protecting the rights of individuals affected by HIV and AIDS. Iqbal pointed out some important aspects of the Act.
“It prohibits discrimination, ensures informed consent for testing and treatment, and mandates the provision of prevention, testing, and treatment services. The Act also calls for establishing the grievance redressal mechanisms at the organisation / institution level to address violations of these provisions, Iqbal shared the insights with the police officers and health workers.
Mohammad Ashraf Mir Counsellor, police drug-deaddition center Baramullah gave a detailed insight on Drug De-addiction and relevance of Drug Abuse to AIDS and other such Sexually Transmitted infections.
Also present were DySP DAR Sopore Mohammad Abdullah, and other senior police officers .
This program is part of a broader intervention by the J&K AIDS Control Society to extend vital health education and services to communities across the region.