Awantipora, July 28: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), under the University Outreach Program organized an awareness programme on World Hepatitis Day 2025 at Mandoora. The event was conducted by Syed Mantaqi Memorial College of Nursing and Medical Technology, IUST, in collaboration with SDH Tral, in response to the recurring local outbreaks of hepatitis in the region.
Principal Dr. Asmat Parveen highlighted the urgency of addressing viral hepatitis, citing over 354 million global cases and 1.1 million deaths annually. She noted that India contributes 40 million hepatitis B and 6–12 million hepatitis C cases, with Mandoora selected as a priority site due to recent outbreaks, including eight children infected with hepatitis A earlier this year.
Themed “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down”, the programme featured expert talks by Dr. Showkat Hussain (ZMO, Kehlil) and Mr. Nazir Ahmad Bhat (CHO, SDH Tral), as well as interactive lectures by B.Sc Nursing students and faculty members on key topics including types of hepatitis, transmission, prevention, and treatment. Live demonstrations on ORS preparation, WHO-recommended hand hygiene techniques, and safe food practices engaged more than 150 school students and community members. Informative pamphlets in Urdu and English were also distributed. Coordinated by Ms. Mubashir Bashir and faculty members from the college, the event reflected IUST’s strong commitment to community health and its ongoing efforts to address critical public health issues through outreach and education.
