HIV Awareness Programme and Oral Health Awareness & Treatment Camp held at Institute of Technology, University of Kashmir, Zakura Campus by Government Dental College Srinagar.
Srinagar, December 1, 2025.
A free oral health camp coupled with an HIV awareness programme was successfully conducted by Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College, Srinagar in collaboration with the Health Centre, Institute of Technology (IOT), Zakura Campus, University of Kashmir. This Awareness and Treatment Camp was successfully organized today at the Institute of Technology, Zakura Campus, headed by Prof. M. Tariq Banday, Dean and Director, IOT, to mark the observance of World AIDS Day. The camp was conducted by the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College & Hospital, Srinagar, under the leadership of Dr. Aasim Farooq Shah, Head of the Department. He was accompanied by Dr. Asif Yousuf (Assistant Professor), Dr. Asifa Ashraf (Registrar), and Dr. Mohammad Hanif (Dental Surgeon), along with a team of dental interns who actively participated in screening and treatment procedures.
This collaborative initiative to mark the observance of World AIDS Day was instigated by Prof (Dr) Sandeep Kaur Bali, Principal/Dean of GDC&H and Prof. M. Tariq Banday, Dean and Director, IOT, and coordinated by Dr. Iqra Mehraj, Medical Officer, Health Centre, Zakura Campus, the event was held to mark World AIDS Day. The programme emphasised that HIV awareness is crucial in today’s time—when disseminating correct information and reducing stigma are essential to community health and safety. As part of the awareness initiative, Dr Aasim Farooq Shah & Dr. Asif Yousuf delivered informative health talk on HIV/AIDS, focusing on its transmission, preventive measures, and the importance of maintaining oral health in overall well being. Prof. M. Tariq Banday, Dean and Director, of the Institute of Technology, in his powerful speech for ending HIV as a reason for discrimination, appreciated the efforts of the awareness team and expressed gratitude for organizing such a beneficial outreach activity for students and staff.
Experts from the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Government Dental College, Srinagar, including Dr. Aasim Farooq Shah, Head of the Department, delivered an informative lecture on oral health and HIV. The session highlighted how awareness helps reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS, promotes empathy, dignity, and social inclusion, and encourages open discussion that breaks myths and misinformation. Speakers stressed that awareness protects vulnerable groups through education and responsible behaviour, encourages early testing without fear of social judgement, and improves workplace and educational inclusion for HIV-positive individuals.
The camp witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with over 120 patients receiving free oral consultations for various dental issues. On spot dental treatment and free medicines were also provided to beneficiaries. The initiative aimed to highlight the importance of good oral health, especially for people living with HIV, as it helps prevent infections and enables the early detection of disease. The event aimed to raise awareness and provide accessible dental care while reinforcing the global message of solidarity and support for people living with HIV/AIDS.
The camp concluded successfully with enthusiastic participation from students, employees, and hostel residents, reaffirming the commitment of the Health Centre, IOT Zakura, to promoting public health and spreading essential awareness across the community. The awareness programme concluded with several key takeaways, including the message that early testing, timely treatment, and community support can defeat HIV, and that HIV is preventable, manageable, and should never be a reason for discrimination.
