State University and UNFPA jointly organized seminar

The Department of Public Health, State University of Bangladesh and UNFPA has jointly organized a seminar on “Prevention of HIV/AIDS: Education and Awareness among Students” on Tuesday, 2nd December, 2008 at the auditorium of the University. The Seminar was organized as a part of the 3-days’ celebration of “World AIDS Day 2008” highlighting the theme (Take the lead - Stop AIDS; Keep the Promise). The Seminar was chaired by the honourable Vice Chancellor Prof. Iftekhar Ghani Choudhury. Mr. A.M.M. Nasir Uddin, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh was present as Chief Guest, Prof. Md Abul Faiz, Director General of Health Services as Special Guest, and Ms. Tahera Ahmad, Assistant Country Representative, UNFPA, as Guest of Honor. Dr Suman Lahiry, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health, SUB, conducted the Seminar. Students as well as dignitaries, invited guests from national and international organizations, faculty members and staffs from SUB participated the Seminar actively with endeavour.

Dr. Nawzia Yasmin, Acting Head of the Department of Public Health and Academic Program Director of MPH Programme delivered her Welcome Speech.
In his keynote paper, Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. M. Shahjahan, Advisor, School of Health Sciences of the State University of Bangladesh mentioned that as part of the Millennium Development Goals and in an attempt to avert the epidemic, it is essential to ensure that young people have the knowledge, skills and services that they need to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS. Provided with necessary means and skills training, young people can be important advocates for their specific sexual and reproductive health needs. A lively discussion followed the presentation. Students were inquisitive regarding prevalence, risk factors, diagnostic aspects, strategies to prevention and leadership issues.

In his speech, the chief guest Mr. A.M.M. Nasir Uddin said that young people are the main target groups for HIV/AIDS prevention since they are more ready to make healthy choices if they feel confident about the environment they behave. Supportive atmosphere created by teachers may increase their self-esteem and direct to healthier behavior. The Special Guest Prof. Md Abul Faiz, Director General of Health Services, asked the young generation to come forward and to take the lead in preventing this deadly disease. He emphasized that students have to be very careful and responsible in their behaviours. Guest of Honor Ms. Tahera Ahmad, Assistant Country Representative, UNFPA cited that both students and teachers face difficulties to connect their knowledge about HIV/AIDS/STDs with behavior, the role of low self-esteem in adopting unsafe sexual behavior and demonstrative expressions of sexuality. A lot of young students are not aware of the mode of infection. Continual HIV prevention outreach and education efforts should essentially target young people.The chairperson, Prof. Iftekhar Ghani Choudhury, in his speech shared his experience on HIV/AIDS issue and involvement of young leadership through pragmatic approach. Bangladesh has provided leadership for prevention of HIV/AIDS among young people through sustainable source of information in education curriculum and development. Investment is needed in Education sector for HIV/AIDS to curve the epidemic.

The program ended with prize distribution among students who took part in the World AIDS Day quiz and essay competition. The guests were presented with the SUB Crest by the Vice-Chancellor. Photographs were taken on the different aspects of the Seminar. The program ended with dinner.