Without any doubt, we can say ‘only through education on HIV/AIDS and following its preventive path will help control its spread.’ One of the most important things it does is to make people realize that everyone should know their status. Education is therefore a key component of our core service offering and is strongly recommended as a minimum HIV/AIDS intervention.

On February 16, 2021, a virtual guest lecture on HIV/AIDS was organized at Don Bosco Tech, Gurdaspur center. It was spearheaded by Mr. Ramandeep Singh (Center Head) and his team gave him the helping hand to carry forward the program effectively. Mr. Saravpreet Singh (Emergency Medical Technician, Govt. Hospital, Batala), was invited to brief the trainees on the aforementioned topic. He briefed the trainees on ways a person can get infected by HIV and how to know the symptoms. His interaction was primarily on how to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDS). He said, “Young people are more prone to HIV/AIDS around the world. Almost half of all HIV-infected people are between the age of 15-24 years.” He continued, “Southeast Asia and the Pacific region have the second-highest rate of prevalence of HIV with an estimated 1.27 million young people living with it.” The speaker brought out the various aspects of the vulnerability of young people getting affected by HIV saying, ‘lacking in awareness’ is one of the core reasons for the rapid spread of this virus. He suggested that this darkness of ignorance can be well dispelled only through the weapon of ‘education’. Stating the research studies, he pointed out that the school-based HIV/AIDS education program can bring about substantial changes in knowledge and attitudes that affect the sexual behavior of young people. Thus we can tame its spread.

All trainers and trainees were present for this informative and meaningful program. The participants pledged to bring awareness among the people of their surroundings on the prevention of the spread of the deadly HIV/AIDS.

The session ended with the heartiest thanks to the resource person and the participants.