World AIDS Day celebrated in JU

JAMMU: World AIDS Day was celebrated today at University of Jammu by GFATM University of Jammu where red ribbons were distributed by Master Trainers HIV AIDS, Faculty of GFATM etc to all students, faculty of university and other officials of jammu university. I.E.C Materials related to HIV AIDS was also distributed. 

Among others who were present included Dr Arun Sharma Medical Superintendent Govt Hospital Sarwal Jammu, HOD Psychology Dr Arti Bakshi, Dr Chand Trehan, Manju and other officials of GFATM University of jammu. Later a poaster making competition was held in govt hospital Sarwal and Dr Arun Sharma Medical Superintendent Govt Hospital Sarwal Jammu has informed that the programmes related to World AIDS DAY would be celebrated for a fort night and for which collaboration has been done with different institutions and organizations.

The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, & Malaria (GFATM) a foundation established under the laws of Switzerland (the "Global Fund") is a worldwide initiative. In India, this project supports National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) in prevention of AIDS. GFATM Round-7 focuses on primarily enhancing institutional and counselling capacities of training institutes in HIV/AIDS. 

This is for the first time that GFATM has partnered with institutions of higher learning who have established credentials in training and education of counsellors. Tata Institute of Social Sciences is the Principle Recipient(PR), of the Global Fund Programme, Round-7, Counselling Sub-component. Jamia Millia Islamia is a Sub recipient(SR) of the Global fund Project and has trained north zone master trainers. The SSRs for JMI to accomplish the task of training Master Trainers and Counsellors in HIV/AIDS counselling. are Aditi Mahavidyalaya, Bawana, Delhi, Punjabi University, Patiala, University of Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, Post Graduate Institute for Medical and Research, Chandigadh, Bhagat Phool Mahila Vishwavidyalaya, Sonepat).

World AIDS Day this year is about “Getting to Zero.” Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths. Backed by the United Nations the “Getting to Zero” campaign runs until 2015 and builds on last year’s successful World AIDS Day “Light for Rights” initiative encompassing a range of vital issues identified by key affected populations. The global HIV response is at a pivotal moment, where huge strides forward are at serious risk and current approaches are reaching their limits. 

Only one third of the 15 million people living with HIV in need of life long treatment are receiving it. New infections continue to outpace the number of people starting treatment, while the upward trend in resources suffered a serious downturn this year. “Zero New HIV Infections” and “Zero Discrimination” are equally as likely to spark high impact events from small scale community vigils to nation wide events using the universally recognised shape of zeros and the power of light to get life and death issues the attention they deserve. For December 1st 2011 right up until 2015 it’s envisioned that different regions and groups will each year chose one or all of the Zeros that best addresses their situation.