Dr. Kamlesh J. Upadhyay and Youth Ambassador Vidit Sharma Lead the Awareness Message
AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT | 12th AUGUST 2026 | Under the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), an Intensified IEC Campaign – HIV Awareness & Breakthrough Rally was organized at B.J. Medical College & Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, with the key message “Together for Awareness, Health and Life – Know, Prevent, Protect.”
The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from 250+ participants, including more than 180 nursing students of B.J. Medical College, along with healthcare professionals, staff members of ART Centre-1 and ART Centre-2 and members of the District DISHA Cluster team.
The programme was led by Dr. Kamlesh J. Upadhyay, HOD and Nodal Officer, ART Centre-1, B.J. Medical College & Civil Hospital, and witnessed the active participation of Mr. Vidit Sharma, Youth Ambassador, Government of Gujarat, who joined healthcare professionals and students in spreading awareness about HIV prevention, testing, treatment, nutrition and the importance of a stigma-free society.
The programme was also attended by Dr. Nilima K. Shah, Professor of Medicine and Nodal Officer, ART Centre-2; Dr. Chirag Dhuvad, DTO HIV-TB; Avinash R. Doeshatwar, Scientist-E, ICMR; and Mr. Pranit Ayachit, Senior Technician, ICMR, along with healthcare professionals, nursing students and campaign volunteers.
A Strong Message of Awareness and Prevention
Speaking through the campaign, Dr. Kamlesh J. Upadhyay emphasized the importance of taking correct and reliable information about HIV to the community and encouraging people to adopt preventive practices, undergo timely testing and ensure continuity of treatment.
Youth Ambassador Vidit Sharma actively participated in the awareness initiative, reinforcing the importance of involving young people in public-health awareness and ensuring that accurate information reaches students and the wider community.
The rally focused on HIV transmission, prevention, early testing, treatment adherence, nutrition and eliminating stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
Know HIV – Know the Facts
Participants were educated that HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles or syringes, transfusion of infected blood or blood products where appropriate screening has not been carried out, and mother-to-child transmission.
The campaign also strongly clarified that HIV does not spread through ordinary social contact, including hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or utensils, using common toilets, studying or working together, coughing or sneezing, or mosquito bites.
The message was clear:
“Do not fear a person living with HIV. Fear misinformation and stigma.”
Prevention is Possible – Treatment Works
The campaign highlighted safer sexual practices, correct and consistent condom use, sterile needles and syringes, screened blood and blood products, timely HIV testing and appropriate medical care during pregnancy as important measures for preventing HIV transmission.
The importance of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and treatment adherence was also emphasized. Effective ART can suppress HIV to an undetectable viral load, protecting the health of the person living with HIV. The campaign reinforced the scientifically established message:
“Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)”
Nutrition and Support for Vulnerable Communities
The awareness drive highlighted that nutrition is an important component of HIV and TB care. Adequate energy, protein and micronutrients through a balanced diet can support recovery, strength, immunity and overall well-being.
Special emphasis was placed on the nutritional needs of undernourished patients, people undergoing TB treatment, children living with HIV and pregnant women living with HIV.
The campaign appealed to citizens, NGOs, charitable organisations, institutions, industries, CSR partners and community groups to support nutritional kits for vulnerable people living with HIV, particularly those affected by HIV-TB co-infection, children living with HIV and pregnant women living with HIV.
Together Against Stigma
The rally carried a strong social message that people living with HIV deserve care, dignity, compassion and support—not stigma or discrimination.
The District DISHA Cluster Ahmedabad Unit and ART Centre, B.J. Medical College, appealed to society to stand together to spread facts instead of fear, prevention instead of misinformation and compassion instead of discrimination.
The campaign concluded with the collective message:
“Know HIV. Get Tested. Prevent Transmission. Stay on Treatment. Support Nutrition. End Stigma.”
Dr. Kamlesh J. Upadhyay and Youth Ambassador Vidit Sharma joined healthcare professionals, students and community representatives in reinforcing the message that collective awareness, responsible action and compassion can contribute towards building a healthier, informed and stigma-free society.
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