Prevention Is Social: Young Voices from Punjab Lead the Conversation on HIV

By Young India Network for Good Health Punjab Team Arshia and Alankrita

"Campaigns create awareness, but conversations (Samvad) create change," Ms. Jyoti Bawa,Punjabi Samvad Foundation  

"Prevention is social before it is medical. When we strengthen relationships, reduce stigma, and encourage conversations, we create healthier communities." — Suneel Vatsyayan, Chairperson, Nada India Foundation

The Nada India Foundation, in collaboration with Punjabi Samvad Foundation and UPES, organised an inspiring HIV/AIDS Awareness, Prevention and Support Webinar on 20 July 2026, bringing together students, educators, social workers, and young people from Punjab and Delhi. The session was led by Ms. Jyoti Bawa, President of Punjabi Samvad Foundation, whose thought-provoking presentation shifted the focus from treatment to prevention, compassion, and social responsibility.

"Campaigns create awareness, but conversations create change," Ms. Jyoti Bawa reminded participants, encouraging everyone to replace fear with facts and stigma with empathy. The discussion highlighted that HIV is not only a medical issue but also a social issue, where silence and discrimination often become greater barriers than the virus itself.

A significant part of the discussion focused on the relationship between substance use and HIV.

Ms. Jyoti Bawa highlighted that HIV prevention cannot be separated from drug rehabilitation. Sharing contaminated needles remains a significant route of HIV transmission, making HIV awareness, counselling, testing, and referral essential components of comprehensive addiction recovery services.

The webinar also explored the close relationship between substance use and HIV, emphasising that recovery services should integrate HIV awareness, testing, counselling, and referrals. Participants discussed practical preventive measures such as using sterile needles, ensuring safe tattoo and piercing practices, encouraging early HIV testing, and respecting confidentiality.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the webinar was the active participation of Nada Young Peer Supporters and UPES students, including Omansh Sharma, Rehan, Inesh, and Mukund. Through their thoughtful questions on stigma, HIV testing, substance use, confidentiality, and community responsibility, they demonstrated that prevention is social. Their engagement reflected the power of informed youth to challenge myths, encourage conversations, and become ambassadors for healthier and more inclusive communities.

"I was particularly impressed by the active participation and initiative shown by the young people from Punjab and Delhi. I attended the webinar with my 17-year-old daughter, and it was inspiring to see youth engaging so thoughtfully with such an important public health issue." — Prof. Monica, Professor and Chairperson, Centre for Social Work, Panjab University, Chandigarh

The discussion reflected Nada India Foundation's broader vision of reframing HIV prevention through behavioural health and social determinants, recognising that lasting prevention begins in families, communities, and supportive social environments rather than hospitals alone. 

As the webinar concluded, one message stood out:

"Prevention is social. Every conversation that reduces stigma, every young person who shares accurate information, and every act of compassion strengthens public health." — Suneel Vatsyayan

The Young India Network for Good Health believes that when young people lead conversations with knowledge, empathy, and responsibility, they become powerful agents of change in building an HIV-free and stigma-free future.