Panjab University UIAMS hosts Dissemination Workshop on NACO-Sponsored Research Project

Chandigarh, August 22, 2026: Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh University Institute of Applied Management Sciences (UIAMS) and Department of Social Work in collaboration with the Punjab State AIDS Control Society (PSACS), organised a Dissemination Workshop on the NACO-sponsored research project, “Factors Contributing to Linkage Loss among Clients Diagnosed Positive for HIV and their Linkage to Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART)”, led by Principal Investigator UIAMS, Dr. Manjushri Sharma; Dr. Gaurav Gaur and Director, UIAMS Prof. Anupreet Kaur Mavi as Co-Investigators of the project.
Around 200 participants from various districts of Punjab, including representatives from PSACS, ART Centres, healthcare services and allied sectors, attended the workshop. The inaugural function was presided over by Dean Student Welfare (DSW) PU, Prof. Namita Gupta and Assistant Project Director, PSACS, Dr. Vishal Garg.
Principal Investigator, Dr. Manjushri Sharma, presented the major outcomes of the research project, including the study methodology, predictive model and key factors contributing to loss to follow-up.
Co-Investigator, Dr. Gaurav Gaur presented the qualitative findings, highlighting the systemic, financial and psychological barriers influencing ART retention.
Director, UIAMS, and Co-Investigator, Prof. Anupreet Kaur Mavi contributed to the project deliberations and moderated the panel discussion.
The engaging panel discussion featured Dean, Social Sciences PU, Prof. Madhurima; Joint Director (Prevention), PSACS, Dr. Meenu; Assistant Civil Surgeon, Barnala, Dr. HarpreetKaur and Joint Director, Basic Services and STI Division, PSACS, Dr. Sukhwinder Kaur. The panel deliberated on technology-enabled tracking, referral systems, counselling, stigma reduction and community-based support.
The workshop witnessed active interaction among stakeholders, with experts from ART Centres, PSACS, healthcare services and field settings sharing valuable experiences and practical perspectives. The audience interaction was facilitated by research scholars of the Centre for Social Work, PU, Tasveer and Sheeshpal.
The workshop concluded with a consensus on developing a Policy Brief based on the findings of the NACO-sponsored research project, reaffirming PU and PSACS’s commitment to translating research evidence into actionable strategies for stronger, more accessible and responsive HIV care.