Chandigarh : World AIDS day is observed globally on 1 st December every year. Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, Chandigarh kick started the HIV AIDS related awareness activities being organized by the Center of Excellence in HIV Care at PGIMER, Chandigarh on the occasion of upcoming World AIDS Day. Prof Vivek Lal handed over High protein nutritional supplement kits to HIV infected individuals. Prof Vipin Kaushal (MS, PGIMER, Chandigarh), Prof. Aman Sharma (Program Director, CoE in HIV Care/ARTC, PGIMER), Dr. Sushil Mahi (MS, GMSH-Sect 16, Project Director, Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society) , Dr. Shankar Naidu (Deputy Prog Director, CoE in HIV Care/ARTC, PGIMER) were present on the occasion.
Director PGIMER, interacted with COE/ARTC Staff and inspected various services being provided by CoE/ART Centre to the patients. The activities started today, will be continued till 2 nd December, 2024. These include sensitization sessions for staff/workers and general public, displaying of information related to HIV AIDS. The first session was held today. They were sensitized about the various risk factors for transmission of HIV and its preventive strategies. Information regarding HIV testing and the availability of free of cost antiretroviral treatment in case of acquisition of infection was provided. A separate session was held for people living with HIV/AIDS.
It was emphasized to maintain adherence to antiretrovirals, index testing, stigma and discrimination, on dietary changes, life style modifications to prevent comorbidities. Information booklets were distributed to patient. They were also informed about harmful effects of various substance abuse, smoking and alcohol. Videos were shown to emphasize modes of transmission, early ART initiation, benefits of regular ART. Patients were provided information on life style modifications, dietary advices to prevent non communicable diseases in the form of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery diseases. ART Centre Chandigarh stood 1 st in 360degree review conducted in 2022 by National AIDS Control Organization. Single window care is being provided to HIV infected individuals at PGI, which is encouraging patients to remain linked with ART Centre PGIMER.
More than 98% patients receiving ART are virally suppressed. The activities also included an All-India Radio talk on FM life Line by Dr. Ravinder Kaur Sachdeva, Senior Medical Officer, ART Centre, on providing awareness to general public for benefits of ART and prevention of comorbidities and opportunistic infections. Pledge by staff and other workers for disseminating information & preventing stigma & discrimination related to HIV/AIDS is scheduled on 30th November 2024.
