Report on Co- Curricular Activity: Aids Observation Day

Introduction

Co-curricular activities are designed and balanced with academic curriculum so that every student gets to learn beyond the learning in the classroom. This helps students develop leadership skills, team integrity, coordination skills, moral values, communication skills, expression skills, public speaking, participation and sense of belongingness.

World AIDS Day on 1 December brings together people from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the epidemic. It has become one of the most widely recognized international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have died, and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services. The global HIV epidemic is not over and may be accelerating during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a devastating impact on communities and countries. In 2019, there were still 38 million people living with HIV infection. One in five people living in the world with HIV are not aware of their infection.

At Gulf Medical University, College of Nursing Freshman batch of BSN observed the World AIDS day with the theme for 2020 observance is “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact”.

Planning Phase

World AIDS Observation Co-Curricular activity plan was originated. This initial plan included poster presentations and a few interactive games like Photo frame, DART, MAZE & Hashtag and Solidarity impression. Nevertheless, keeping in mind the restraints of AIDS, Video demonstration on Needle stick injury and the importance of its prevention was also prepared. Further discussion with Dean, CON the freshman batch of BSN students decided to prepare the posters based on the past 5 years WHO theme on World AIDS Day

Implementation

World AIDS Observation Co-Curricular activity was scheduled to be held on 23^rd December, 2020 in the Library building of Gulf Medical University. The timing was scheduled between 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm in order to cover maximum number of students and faculty from all the Colleges in the University.

The program was inaugurated by Prof. Hossam Hamdy, Chancellor, Gulf Medical University. Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Vice Chancellor- Academics, Prof. Sherief Khalifa, Vice Chancellor- Quality & Global Engagement, Prof. Selva Titus Chacko, Dean, College of Nursing, Gulf Medical University graced the occasion. The event was declared open with a ribbon cutting and a with a few words of felicitations by the dignitaries. The students explained each poster station to the dignitaries. The students were actively involved in inviting the faculty and students from other Colleges with red ribbon badges, red pens and goodies which was well appreciated by all.

Activities

1. Poster presentation
   1. HIV Global updates
   2. Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact – Theme 2020
   3. Communities make the difference – Theme 2019
   4. Know Your Status – Theme 2018
   5. Right to Health – Theme 2017
   6. Hands up for HIV prevention – Theme 2016
2. Video Demonstration
   1. Needle stick injury and the importance of its prevention
3. Solidarity impression
4. Photo frame & Hashtag
5. Interactive games – Gift packs distributed to all the participants was the highlight of the event.

Conclusion

The emphasis of the event was to create awareness among the University students & reiterate the knowledge in order to educate the public and indirectly through social media. Photo frame, Hashtag and Solidarity impression conveyed the message of prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. The student community of the GMU participated in the event making it inter-professional activity.

Event Highlights: View Gallery