World AIDS day is observed on first of December each year. This year’s theme “Let
Communities Lead” reflects a powerful call to empower and prioritize local communities in
the global response to HIV/AIDS. The day was observed at Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College,
Tamaka, Kolar in which about 110 Degree students from the Government Horticulture
College participated in the programme.

Dr. Prasanna Kamath BT, Professor and HoD from the Dept of Community Medicine,
addressed the gathering with a welcome speech and emphasized that by supporting the
resilience and knowledge about HIV/AIDS within the communities, we can create more
effective and sustainable strategies to prevent, treat and ultimately overcome HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Pradeep TS, Associate Professor from the Dept of Community Medicine,
informed students about the importance of this year’s theme ‘Let Communities Lead’ which
emphasizes on decentralized, community-driven approach to addressing HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Parimala Subramani, Professor from the Dept of Microbiology, SDUMC talked
about the importance of understanding the structure of HIV which is crucial for developing
targeted treatments and vaccines and also stressed upon laboratory diagnosis as it is essential
for identifying infections.

Dr. Prasanna, NACO program Officer, stressed upon the benefits available from
NACO such as disease prevention, early detection of HIV cases, access to antiretroviral
therapy (ART), awareness for stigma reduction and also research and innovations.

Dr. Sunil BN, Associate Professor from the Dept of Community medicine, SDUMC,
talked on prevalence of HIV/AIDS globally, AIDS related deaths and also prevalence among
key populations.

Dr. Sindhu Shankar S, Senior Resident from the Dept of Community Medicine,
SDUMC, delivered the vote of thanks.