On 22 June 2026, Don Bosco Tech – Cox Colony, Jharsuguda, Odisha, organized a guest lecture on HIV/AIDS Awareness for the trainees of the Digital Mitra job role. The session was conducted by Mrs. Mary C.A., Counselor, St. Mary's Hospital, Jharsuguda, with the aim of creating awareness about HIV/AIDS, promoting healthy lifestyles, and encouraging responsible behaviour.

The guest lecture aimed to create awareness about HIV/AIDS among the trainees, provide correct information about its causes, transmission, prevention, and treatment, remove myths, misconceptions, and stigma related to HIV/AIDS, and encourage responsible behaviour and respect for people living with HIV.

Mrs. Mary C.A. delivered an informative and interactive session on HIV/AIDS. She explained the difference between HIV and AIDS, how HIV is transmitted, ways to prevent infection, the importance of early testing, and the treatment options available. She also explained that HIV does not spread through casual contact such as shaking hands, sharing food, or talking to someone.

She encouraged the trainees to maintain good personal hygiene, make healthy lifestyle choices, and seek medical advice whenever necessary. She also emphasized the importance of treating people living with HIV with dignity, respect, and compassion.

The trainees actively participated throughout the session by asking questions and sharing their thoughts, making the programme informative and engaging. Through the session, they gained a better understanding of HIV/AIDS and its impact on health, learned about HIV prevention, early testing, and available treatment, understood the importance of eliminating stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV, and felt more confident in sharing accurate information about HIV/AIDS with their families and communities.

The trainees appreciated the session and found it informative and relevant. They shared that the lecture helped clear many misconceptions about HIV/AIDS and increased their awareness of health, safety, and well-being.

The HIV/AIDS awareness guest lecture was a valuable learning experience for the Digital Mitra trainees of Don Bosco Tech – Cox Colony. The session provided practical knowledge, encouraged responsible health practices, and promoted empathy towards people living with HIV. The centre extends its sincere gratitude to Mrs. Mary C.A. and St. Mary's Hospital, Jharsuguda, for their valuable contribution to the trainees' learning and well-being.