Youths are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and STIs

Youths are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and STIs

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South Asia Radio Club (SARC) participated at the AIDS rally With a view to strengthening the campaign to combat HIV/AIDS and to create mass awareness, the World AIDS Day was observed in the Bangladesh 1 December-2008 as elsewhere across the globe. National AIDS/STD Programme (NASP), Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare observed the day in a befitting manner with the theme 'Lead-Empower-Deliver.' A rally began from the east end of Dhaka Manik Mia Avenue in front of the National Parliament and ended at Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC). Stakeholders from government, non- government, national, international organizations, donor agencies and South Asia Radio Club (SARC) participated at the rally. At the inaugural ceremony of the programmes at the BCFCC, Dr Ferdous Alam Shibib, programme manager of NASP, delivered the welcome speech while Dr Mohammad Ishaque Khan, line director of NASP, presented the keynote paper. Country Director of Save the Children USA Kelland Stevenson and WHO representative to Bangladesh Dr Duangvadee Sungkhobol were present as special guests. Speaking as the chief guest, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare AMM Nasir Uddin said that the youths are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and STIs and to disseminate information on HIV/AIDS and STI among the youth and adolescent people, the role of media is very important. He urged the journalists and different stakeholders, including professional bodies, association leaders, religious leaders, policymakers and development partners to come forward in preventing HIV infection in Bangladesh. “The HIV infected new cases during this year was found 288 while new AIDS cases was 111 and total death case was 42," he said adding that the overall infection and AIDS cases is low this year compared to that of last year. Highlighting different steps of the government in combating HIV/AIDS, Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad, additional secretary and chairperson of the World AIDS Day 2008 programme, said, “We are working together to eliminate stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS.” South Asia Radio Club (SARC) Dhaka Branch organized a rally and discussion to mark the day. SARC Founder Director Didarul Iqbal, Dhaka Branch President Taslima Akter Lima, Secretary Subarna Akter Ria, Member Keya Akter, Farid Ahmed, Md. Arif Uddin, Rina Akter, Tania Akter, Aklima Akter, Hasina Akter and Al Amin also attend. Thank you, Taslima Akter Lima (President) South Asia Radio Club (SARC) Dhaka Branch House- 336, Section- 7, Road- 2, Mirpur, Dhaka- 1216, Bangladesh. E-mail: sarc.dhaka@yahoo.com Website: http://www.sarc97.blogspot.com/