On December 1, 2023, in observance of World AIDS Day, Kasturba Hospital and Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS) organized the World AIDS Day event to raise awareness and promote understanding of HIV/AIDS. The event aimed not only to educate the community but also to instill a sense of responsibility and solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This year's theme, 'Let Communities Lead,' emphasized the pivotal role communities play in driving positive change.
The inaugural session commenced with an insightful health talk delivered by Dr Poonam Shivkumar Varma (Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital). The talk covered various aspects, including prevention, treatment, and the role of the community in ending the stigma. “It is our collective duty to spread awareness and promote education to help end the stigma related to HIV”, said Dr Poonam. She also mentioned the various government programs facilitating HIV prevention.
The institute also took a collective pledge to stop the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Faculty, staff, nurses, and patients united in declaring their commitment to creating an environment free from ignorance, and HIV-related stigma. “If we all do our part, we can stop HIV together’, echoed the ambiance during the pledge. Informative banners were prominently displayed on digital signages across all areas. Dr. CM Badole (Head of Orthopedics), Dr.Sucheta Tidke (Head of Anesthesia), Dr. Vijayshree Khairkar (Head of Microbiology), Dr Jyoti Jain (Head of Medicine), Dr KK Mishra (Head of Psychiatry), Dr Sonia Jain (Head of Skin), senior faculty from the departments of Pharmacology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine also made significant contributions to the event. Dr. Sanjivani Wanjari (Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology) spoke on HIV to patients in the MCH Wing.
Dr. Jyoti Jain (Head of Medicine, MGIMS) delivered an informative talk on HIV/AIDS. Addressing concerns related to HIV and AIDS raised by the online community on MGIMS's social platform, her expertise provided valuable insights into the medical facets of HIV, covering transmission, treatment modalities, and dispelling prevalent myths. Dr Jyoti Jain’s talk is a part of our online series ‘Empower through Knowledge’ and is accessible here: https://youtu.be/pxbRcbuHYDM
Kasturba Nursing College and Kasturba Nursing School also actively participated in the event. Diverse activities like role plays, poem recitation, and health education were presented by the students. Additionally, a poster competition was also organized at the occasion. The nursing staff, showcasing their artistic talent, designed posters conveying messages of awareness, prevention, and support for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Dr Poonam Varma adjudged Ms Bhagyashree Fulzele (Staff Nurse, Main OT), Mrs Pallavi Burbure (Staff Nurse, Pediatric Ward), Mrs Payal Thakare (Staff Nurse, Radiotherapy Ward) and Mrs Kiran Mankar (Staff Nurse, Male Surgery Ward) as the winners of the competition. The impactful posters are now displayed in common registration areas in the Medicine building and MCH Wing, serving as a constant reminder of the collective commitment to HIV/AIDS awareness.