Concerted efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS spread underscored

Published : 29 Sep 2021, 16:28

Sahos Desk

Concerted efforts of all the government and non-government organizations concerned can be the effective means of successful prevention of HIV/AIDS through generating public awareness on the issue.

Utmost emphasis should be given on bringing all the stakeholders and other gatekeepers under necessary awareness programmes to prevent anymore infection of the deadly virus.

Health experts, journalists and social watchdogs came up with the observation while addressing a meeting with health service provider, religious leader, lawyer, journalist, law enforcement agency and representatives of community based organizations in Rajshahi today.

Light House organized the sensitization meeting at the office conference hall of Civil Surgeon (CS) under the 'Prioritized HIV Prevention and Treatment Services for Key Populations in Bangladesh Project' in collaboration with ICDDR's and Global Fund.

CS Dr Quiume Talukder and former chairman of Rajshahi Education Board Prof Dipakendra Nath Das addressed the meeting as chief and special guests respectively disseminating their expertise on the issue with Deputy CS Dr Raziul Islam in the chair.

Manager of Drop-in-Centre of Light House Kabir Hossain gave an overview of their HIV/AIDS prevention activities during his PowerPoint presentation.

Editor of the Daily Sonar Desh Akbarul Hassan Millat, Senior Health Education Officer Muhammad Samsuzzaman and President of Diner Alo Hijra Sangstha Mohona Sarker also spoke.

Main thrust of the meeting was to sensitize the leaders of influence together with strengthening coordination among all the government and non-government organisations concerned to expedite the HIV/AIDS prevention activities in the region.

Dr Quiume Talukder said HIV/AIDS is not only a health issue but also a social development concern. He stressed the need for more coordination among different organizations and stakeholders to attain cherished results.

He added that only the government or any single organisation isn't capable of resisting the HIV/AIDS infection as its risk and vulnerability is gradually being increased due to various reasons.

Prof Dipakendra Nath Das mentioned that the main challenge to prevent the HIV/AIDS is now being adjudged as the stigma and negative attitude towards the vulnerable population like injecting drug users, sex workers and professional blood donors.

He, however, emphasized the need for protecting the infected persons from their human rights violations as they are also an integral part of the society.

Universal access is a commitment to scale up access to HIV treatment, prevention, care and support from the government development partners and civil society, he added.

Source: BSS

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