Report on HIV/AIDS Awareness Session for Students

An HIV/AIDS Awareness Session was organized by the Red Ribbon Club for first-semester BSc Nursing students on 8th August 2026, from 8.00 am to 9.00 am. The session was delivered by Dr. Radhika R. Pai, Assistant Professor Sr. Scale, Department of Fundamentals of Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, with the objective of raising awareness about HIV transmission, prevention, and early detection, and reducing stigma associated with the disease.

During the session, Dr. Pai highlighted the major modes of HIV transmission, clarified common misconceptions, and emphasized preventive measures such as safe practices, regular HIV testing, and the role of PrEP and PEP. She also informed students about the HIV/AIDS awareness initiatives conducted through Integrated Health Camps (IHCs) in collaboration with the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS), voluntary and confidential HIV testing services available through ICTCs and SICTCs, and the Break Free India digital self-risk assessment tool. Students were encouraged to adopt responsible health practices, seek timely counseling and testing, and promote empathy towards people living with HIV.

Around 240 first-semester B.Sc. Nursing students attended the awareness session and were informed about nearby Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers (ICTCs) via a QR code linking to confidential HIV testing and counseling services.

The session aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being by promoting health awareness and disease prevention, and SDG 4: Quality Education by empowering future nurses with evidence-based knowledge for informed decision-making and professional practice.