School Health Program on HIV/AIDS Awareness

On 14th August 2026, the Department of Community Health Nursing, along with the 7th Semester BSc Nursing students and the Student Nurses Association (SNA) Health and Social Welfare Committee of MCON, MAHE, Manipal, organized a School Health Program on HIV/AIDS Awareness at Government First Grade College, Hiriyadka, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The program aimed to educate college students about HIV/AIDS, its causes, modes of transmission, and preventive measures, thereby promoting awareness and reducing misconceptions related to HIV/AIDS.

Ms. Samitha and Ms. Amritha A served as the Masters of the Ceremony. Dr. Jayaprakash Shetty, Principal, Government First Grade College, Hiriyadka; Dr. Soumyalatha, Student Welfare Coordinator; Mr. Nandesh Kumar, NSS Coordinator; Dr. Litihin, IQAC Coordinator; and Mrs. Clara Pramila D’Souza, Lecturer, Department of Community Health Nursing, MCON, were the dignitaries of the program.

The event began with a prayer song by Ms. Amritha, Ms. Kesiya, Ms. Fiona, and Jomit, followed by a welcome address by Ms. Asin Mariya. Dr. Jayaprakash Shetty, Principal, Government First Grade College, Hiriyadka, and Mrs. Clara Pramila D’Souza, Lecturer, Department of Community Health Nursing, MCON, addressed the gathering, sharing their valuable insights. A skit titled “Understanding HIV/AIDS: Causes, Transmission and Prevention” was performed by the students in the Kannada language.

The event was successful in enhancing the students’ awareness regarding HIV/AIDS, its modes of transmission, and preventive measures. A total of 120 students from the BCom and B.A. streams, along with six teachers, participated enthusiastically and showed great interest throughout the program. To make the session more interactive, spot games were conducted for the students, and the winners were awarded prizes. The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Elsa Mariya Noble.

This initiative aligned with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by promoting health literacy and creating awareness among students about HIV/AIDS, its modes of transmission, prevention, and the importance of reducing stigma and misconceptions. The program was coordinated by Mrs. Clara Pramila D’Souza, Lecturer, Department of Community Health Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal.