IUST Conducts SSR Outreach Prog in Tribal Village of Ang

Awantipora: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) organized a *Diabetes Screening and Awareness Camp* at Dudoo, Marhama, a tribal village in Anantnag districtunder its SSR Outreach Initiative, supported by the DST–PURSE Programme. The initiative was a part of the University’s programme to community health outreach and evidence-based public health interventions in underserved areas.
The camp focused on raising awareness about diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly targeting the Gujjar Bakerwal community. Participants were educated on the risk factors, complications, prevention, and management of diabetes, highlighting the concerning global increase in the disease, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The program underscored the significance of early detection through community-level screening initiatives. A multidisciplinary team from IUST conducted free screenings and diagnostic tests for diabetes, hypertension, anemia, and other NCDs, providing medical consultations and essential medications on-site, which greatly benefited local residents. Additionally, a structured epidemiological survey was implemented to gather data on personal and family health histories, as well as socio-economic status, enhancing the understanding of chronic disease patterns within tribal populations. This initiative was part of the “Comprehensive Epidemiological Survey of Chronic Diseases.”