Published on: December 2, 2024
Awareness Lecture on World AIDS Day 2024 Highlights Rights and Stigma
On 2nd December 2024, the Himalayan School of Management Studies (HSMS) at Swami Rama Himalayan University organized a meaningful awareness lecture to commemorate World AIDS Day 2024. The event was held at KLT-08 in the HSMS building and attended by 49 students from the BBA fifth semester and MBA third semester. The session was led by Dr. Niharika Verma, Senior Resident in the Department of Community Medicine at HIMS, SRHU, who provided a comprehensive understanding of HIV/AIDS beyond clinical facts by focusing on its public health, human rights, and societal dimensions.
The lecture aligned with this year’s theme, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Rights,” highlighting the critical importance of human rights in ensuring equitable access to HIV testing, prevention, and treatment. Dr. Verma discussed challenges such as stigma, discrimination, and barriers faced by vulnerable communities, stressing the need for inclusive healthcare and sexual and reproductive health education, particularly for the youth. She supported her presentation with real-life examples and data illustrating the current HIV/AIDS scenario both in India and globally.
Students were encouraged to become proactive advocates in their communities by promoting awareness and compassion to help eliminate stigma and support those affected by HIV/AIDS. The session successfully combined knowledge dissemination with a call to action, inspiring students to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing fight against the epidemic.
