FIELD VISIT TO GOA AIDS CONTROL SOCIETY (GSACS)
The Department of Psychology in collaboration with Red Ribbon Club (RRC) of Carmel College, organized a field trip to Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS), Panjim, Goa. A total of 18 students were accompanied with faculty member, Ms. Faye Pinto, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology. Dr. Gokuldas Sawant, Project Director of GSCAS, began the session with the type of work that GSACS does, highlighting the importance of creating awareness and reducing the stigma that surrounds HIV/AIDS. The Assistant Director of Youth Affairs, Ms. Jeunesse Fernandes, addressed the students about the range of activities that were organized for Schools & Colleges to spread awareness such as poster making competitions, short – film competitions, etc. Mr. Shroya Bisaria, Assistant Director, Mainstreaming, informed the students about the HIV and AIDS (Prevention & Control) Act, 2017, whose objective is to prevent and control the spread of the illness and for reinforcing the legal and human rights of persons infected with and affected by it. He also emphasized how it seeks to protect the rights of health care providers. Ms. Diksha Parab, Assistant Director, CST & ICTC, spoke about the significance of counselling patients infected with HIV, and to help with assistance in symptom management. Mr. Vijay Pratap, Assistant Director, Voluntary Blood Donation, advised the students about the benefits of blood donation, & the precautions that need to be taken before donating blood. Overall, the session was fruitful, where students gained a thorough understanding of the illness, its management & the necessity to curb the stigma attached to it.
