On 8th November 2025, an enriching and informative session on HIV/AIDS basics and an introduction to NACP was organised by the Department of Community Health Nursing, in collaboration with the NSS unit of MCON, for the final-year BSc nursing and MSc students of MCON.

The session began with a warm welcome and an introduction of the guest speaker, Mrs. Anuradha, counsellor at the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC), Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, by Dr. Vinish V, Assistant Professor in the Department of Community Health Nursing. He introduced her as an experienced professional and highlighted her valuable contributions to the field of HIV awareness, prevention, and counselling.

Mrs. Anuradha explained the nature of HIV, high-risk groups susceptible to infection, and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) during her lecture. She also provided an overview of the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), launched in 1992, and the progressive five-year plans that have focused on prevention, early detection, and comprehensive care of affected individuals across India.

Throughout the session, Mrs. Anuradha maintained an interactive and engaging approach, encouraging questions and discussions. The lecture not only strengthened the students' theoretical understanding of HIV but also provided practical insights into patient care, counselling, and community-level prevention strategies. It helped the students to realize the critical role nurses play in spreading awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring compassionate, non-discriminatory care for those living with HIV/AIDS.

The session was concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms Riya Menezes, student leader, seventh semester BSc nursing, MCON who expressed heartfelt appreciation to Mrs Anuradha for sharing her expertise and time.

Overall, the session was extremely informative, insightful, and relevant to the final year nursing curriculum and contributed to SDG 3. It deepened the understanding of the medical, social, and ethical aspects of HIV care and inspired us to approach such patients with empathy, respect, and professionalism in our future practice. Dr Vinish V, Assistant Professor & NSS Program Coordinator, Department of Community Health Nursing, organized the session under the guidance of Dr Shashidhara Y. N, Professor & Head, Department of Community Health Nursing, MCON.