Recognising that substance abuse and HIV/AIDS are significant public health concerns for the youth of Meghalaya, Synod College felt the need to sensitise its students on the twin issues that are closely related through an awareness programme.
The counselling cell of the college, in collaboration with IQAC and with the sponsorship of the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS), conducted a one day programme here today. The resource persons were Ajoy M Lanong, Lugracia M Shylla and Iohun Dhar.
The programme increased awareness about HIV/AIDS and substance abuse among the target population. Through this programme, students demonstrated a greater willingness to adopt safer practices and to seek help when needed, a press release stated.
There were 200 students and seven interns who took part. A temporary free testing centre for HIV/AIDS was set up for the occasion. The IQAC coordinator, G Lyngdoh, took the lead in getting herself tested, followed by staff and students of the college.
