Patkai Christian College in Chümoukedima conducts an HIV & AIDS awareness and testing campaign for students.
DIMAPUR — Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) organised an HIV & AIDS awareness and testing campaign during its morning chapel service on Wednesday to promote prevention, early testing, and reduced stigma towards individuals living with HIV.
The programme was organised by the Youth Red Cross, National Service Scheme (NSS), and Red Ribbon Club of Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) in collaboration with Sampoorna Suraksha Kendra (SSK), District Hospital Dimapur, the Mobile Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (MICTC) Dimapur, and the Nagaland AIDS Control Society.
According to an update, Pauramzeule, Manager-cum-Counsellor at Sampoorna Suraksha Kendra, District Hospital, Dimapur, conducted the awareness session addressing basic facts about HIV, including modes of transmission, prevention, testing, and treatment.
She explained that HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles or syringes, mother-to-child transmission, and transfusion of infected blood. She advised adopting safe practices, avoiding sharing needles, ensuring proper blood screening, and undergoing testing when appropriate.
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Pauramzeule highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment, noting that while there is currently no cure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress the virus and enable individuals living with HIV to lead longer, healthier lives.
Focusing on dispelling myths, the session informed students that HIV is not transmitted through ordinary social contact such as shaking hands, hugging, sharing food or utensils, using common toilets, or studying together.
She further pointed out the importance of confidentiality, informed consent, and protection from discrimination under the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017.
Following the session, HIV testing facilities were made available to students.