The Apollo’s Well-being Centre Launches Month-Long Lecture Series on HIV and AIDS Awareness

The Apollo’s Well-being Centre at The Apollo University (TAU) launched an impactful month-long lecture series today, focused on raising awareness on “Understanding HIV and AIDS: Knowledge for a Healthier Tomorrow.” The series was inaugurated by Dr. H. Vinod Bhat, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of TAU, at 2:00 PM, highlighting the university’s commitment to health education and proactive disease prevention. In his inaugural address, Dr. Bhat emphasized the critical history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, recalling the early outbreaks and the devastating impact of the unidentified virus in the 1980’s and 90’s. He underscored the importance of educating the younger generation about adopting healthy lifestyles, noting that while no specific vaccine exists for HIV/AIDS, precautionary measures and awareness are key. Dr. Bhat further addressed the social stigmas often associated with HIV/AIDS, advocating for a proactive approach in dismantling these barriers and fostering open discussion. Following the inauguration, two insightful lectures were delivered by distinguished speakers: Dr. Jinto Mathew, Professor and Head of Apollo College of Nursing, and Dr. S. Haseena, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at TAU. Dr. Mathew’s talk centered on the importance of field research in understanding the spread of HIV/AIDS, stressing how data can drive awareness and prevention efforts. Dr. Haseena’s lecture highlighted the psychological aspects of HIV/AIDS, emphasizing empathy, understanding, and mental well-being for those affected. Both speakers provided practical awareness strategies and discussed the importance of inclusion and understanding in addressing HIV/AIDS. The lecture series will continue throughout November, with expert speakers including Dr. Sindhu B.S., Medical Officer in Dermatology, Venereal Diseases, and Leprosy at Government Hospital, Chittoor; Dr. C. Shilpa Reddy, Associate Professor at Apollo College of Nursing; Dr. Y. Muralidhar, AIDS Specialist from Kakinada; and Mr. A. M. Krishna, Research Field Assistant at Apollo College of Nursing, Chittoor. These sessions are designed to equip students with critical knowledge for prevention, responsible behavior, and community support, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more informed society. The organizing team consists of Dr. D. Kothandan, Associate Professor, School of Technology; Dr. Hima Bindu G.B., Associate Professor, School of Technology; and Dr. Sudha Paipuru, Assistant Professor, School of Health Sciences. Their collaborative efforts made the awareness program both impactful and informative for all participants.