An important step towards strengthening the health and consciousness of young people
Today, April 11, a roundtable discussion on “HIV and AIDS: An Open Dialogue” was held at the National University of Uzbekistan with the participation of representatives of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Country Office in Uzbekistan. The meeting is aimed at encouraging young people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, raising their social awareness, and deepening their knowledge about HIV/AIDS.
At the beginning of the event
Rana Rustamova, Advisor to the University Rector on Women’s Issues and Chairwoman of the Women’s Issues Advisory Council, also spoke, emphasizing the importance of instilling healthy lifestyle principles among young people.
At the meeting, Raima Shirinova, Vice-Rector for International Relations of the National University of Uzbekistan, emphasized in her speech that health and well-being are the basis of any development. She noted that ensuring the health of young people is not only a medical issue, but also an integral part of education and upbringing.
“Young people’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle, their knowledge and awareness are the guarantee of sustainable development of society. By conducting open and informed dialogue about HIV, we can not only prevent new HIV cases, but also reduce stigma and misconceptions and eliminate existing discrimination against HIV.” – Dilnoza Sametdinova, UNAIDS Country Representative in Uzbekistan.
The event consisted of 3 main stages:
Information session – Comprehensive lectures were presented on what HIV and AIDS are, their main stages, transmission routes, modern treatment methods and preventive measures.
Interactive quiz – An interesting question-and-answer test was organized among students to test their knowledge about HIV/AIDS. This not only increased knowledge, but also helped to remember important information.
Open dialogue – Participants had the opportunity to communicate directly with experts, get answers to questions of interest, and exchange views on countering stereotypes in society.
During the event
This event directly contributes to Goal 3, one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” Combating HIV/AIDS, raising public awareness, and implementing modern preventive health care practices are among the priorities of this goal.
The event was held in international cooperation, which is a vivid example of strategic partnership between the university and international organizations. The UNAIDS office in Uzbekistan, together with the Department of Strategic Development and International Rating of the National University of Uzbekistan and the Chairperson of the Advisory Council on Women’s Issues, implemented this initiative.
At the end of the event, participants were presented with special visual materials and recommendations prepared by the UNAIDS organization.
For information: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) weakens the immune system, and AIDS is the final stage of the disease that develops under the influence of this virus. Thousands of new cases of HIV are recorded every day around the world, but modern therapies allow these cases to be kept under control.