Media Release

Kundapur, Nov 12: With the aim of preventing HIV/AIDS and creating awareness among the public, students of Moodlakatte College of Nursing conducted a special awareness campaign through flash mob and street play in Kundapur.

The program was organized on November 7 under the joint auspices of the Udupi District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, District Health and Family Welfare Department, District AIDS Control and Prevention Unit, Taluk Health Officer's Office, Government Public Hospital Kundapur, Indian Red Cross Society, Rotary Club Sunrise and Moodlakatte College of Nursing.

The program was presided over by Chandrashekhar, principal of Kundapur Government Pre-University College. Dr Chandra Marakala, senior gynaecologist of Taluk Public Hospital, inaugurated the program.

The chief guests were Jayakar Shetty of Indian Red Cross Society Kundapur, Purnima Ravishankar of Rotary Club Sunrise, Roopashree K S, vice principal of Moodlakatte College of Nursing, and Nalinakshi, Consultant, Kundapur Taluk Hospital, were present. Sandhya, lecturer, Government Pre-University College Kundapur, delivered the welcome address.

Students of Moodlakatte College of Nursing performed flash mobs and street plays at the Government Pre-University College, New Bus Stand, Municipality and Santhe Markets in Kundapur. Through this, they informed the public about the modes of HIV transmission, preventive measures, early testing, treatment and the importance of counselling.

The main objective of the campaign was to dispel misconceptions, fear and discrimination about HIV infection, develop a humane and compassionate attitude towards those infected, and raise public awareness about the services of Comprehensive Counseling and Testing Centers (ICTC).

This creative awareness programme by the students received a good response from the public. The active participation of the nursing students in community health awareness was a highlight of the programme.