Event Details

Anantnag, August 12, 2026: The Red Ribbon Club, Government Degree College for Women, Anantnag, under the guidance of Dr. Kahlida Hassan, Principal, GDC Women Anantnag, organised an awareness and interaction programme to commemorate International Youth Day 2026 under the Intensified IEC Campaign on HIV/AIDS. Held at the college Conference Room, the programme was organised around the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” and focused on strengthening scientific understanding of HIV/AIDS, its transmission and prevention, the risks associated with drug abuse, and the role of young people in promoting health awareness. The programme was hosted by Aina Sajad, student of B.Sc. 1st Semester (Honours), Department of Zoology. In her opening remarks , she welcomed the participants and conducted the proceedings. Prof. Farooq Ahmad Malik, Convener, Debates & Seminar Committee, delivered the introductory remarks and emphasised the importance of youth participation, informed choices and responsible citizenship. The main extension lecture was delivered by Prof. Zahid Ahmad Wani, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology and Convener, Red Ribbon Club, on “HIV Infection Cycle, Risks and Modes of Transmission.” The lecture provided an in-depth scientific account of the HIV life cycle, explaining CD4 receptor and co-receptor-mediated attachment, viral entry and fusion, reverse transcription, integration of viral DNA into the host genome, transcription, translation, assembly, budding and protease-mediated maturation. Particular emphasis was placed on the association between drug abuse and HIV transmission, especially the risk arising from sharing contaminated needles and syringes. Students were sensitised about prevention, HIV testing, early treatment, responsible behaviour and the need to counter stigma and misinformation. The programme gave due prominence to student participation and expression of ideas. Rutaba Malik, student of B.Sc. 1st Semester Honours Zoology, and Toiba Batool, student of B.Sc. 1st Semester Honours, Clinical Biochemistry, shared their perspectives on HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, youth responsibility and the importance of authentic scientific information. As part of the awareness initiative, students formed a human chain, symbolising unity, solidarity and collective commitment towards HIV prevention and a stigma-free society. The students were also introduced to the Breakfree platform as a source of reliable HIV/AIDS awareness and information. The programme was attended by Prof. Imteyaz Ahmad and Prof. Rehana Abdullah, besides other faculty members and students. An interactive question-and-answer session followed the lecture, enabling students to seek clarification on HIV transmission, prevention, treatment and drug-related risks. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Imtiyaz Ahmad Tali, Dean, Students Welfare, who appreciated the efforts of the Red Ribbon Club, resource person, faculty members and students in making the initiative meaningful and impactful. Prof. Sayar Yassen and Prof. Masrat Nizam served as Rapporteurs, while Aadil Ahmad provided technical support for the conduct and documentation of the programme. The programme successfully brought together scientific learning, youth participation and public-health awareness, reinforcing the message that accurate information, prevention, responsible choices and a stigma-free approach are central to addressing HIV/AIDS. The initiative also highlighted the important role of young people as informed and responsible partners in building healthier and more inclusive communities.

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