UNB, Dhaka :
Speakers at a programme here on Wednesday, marking the World AIDS Day, called for creating awareness among the people of the country about the fatal disease and getting well-equipped to face a likely surge in the AIDs epidemic.
‘Amra Kuri’, a socio cultural organisation dedicated to the welfare of children and adolescents, organised the programme in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with the slogan ‘Getting to zero and stop the spreading of AIDS’.
Presided over by Amra Kuri president Mustaq Ahmed Liton, the organisation’s Adviser Amanullah Khan, also the Chairman of United News of Bangladesh (UNB), attended the programme as the chief guest while Commissioner of Taxes and the reputed author Dr SM Jahangir Alam was the guest of honour at the Bangladesh Shishu Kalyan Parishad office at Topkhana Road. Azad Khan, another Amra Kuri Adviser and its Secretary Ferdous Ara Bannya were also present on the occasion.
UNB Chairman Amanullah Khan in his address expressed concern that though Bangladesh has a low HIV prevalence rate of less than1% among its vulnerable population, lately on a year to basis, HIV infection rate has been rising in the backdrop of a
significant drop globally in HIV infections with 63% increase in providing access of AIDS victims to the treatment and drugs during the last two years.
“Our close geographical proximity to high risk countries with porous borders, risky behaviour pattern among a section of our population, lack of mass awareness and information about the disease and its mode of transmission as well as our inadequate healthcare system make us susceptible to the AIDS epidemic,” he pointed out adding that the rise in the HIV cases in Bangladesh is a warning signal and a wake-up call. “There should be no room for complacency on our part and we should put in place adequate safety measures to curb the impending menace and prevent the worst from happening.” Amra Kuri” adviser pleaded The chief guest also urged the participants who are engaged in building their future career to strive to become a positive force in the society by taking up a leadership role in the crusade against deadly diseases like HIV/AIDS. He also exhorted them to share the knowledge and information gained by them about AIDS with their companions and acquaintances in order to protect them from contracting the HIV virus. He also appealed to the participants to foster a knowledge-based society in search of a disease free world.
Dr Jahangir Alam stressed the need for involving the children in awareness building campaigns against AIDS. They can be better and more effective campaigners than others. he added. “Given due time and guidance the children can perform and deliver very well on crucial matters that challenge the nation like AIDS,” he observed.
A quiz contest, drawing and debate competitions were held on the occasion and later prizes were distributed among the winners. Amra Kuri members also held a rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club, marking the day.
Speakers at a programme here on Wednesday, marking the World AIDS Day, called for creating awareness among the people of the country about the fatal disease and getting well-equipped to face a likely surge in the AIDs epidemic.
‘Amra Kuri’, a socio cultural organisation dedicated to the welfare of children and adolescents, organised the programme in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with the slogan ‘Getting to zero and stop the spreading of AIDS’.
Presided over by Amra Kuri president Mustaq Ahmed Liton, the organisation’s Adviser Amanullah Khan, also the Chairman of United News of Bangladesh (UNB), attended the programme as the chief guest while Commissioner of Taxes and the reputed author Dr SM Jahangir Alam was the guest of honour at the Bangladesh Shishu Kalyan Parishad office at Topkhana Road. Azad Khan, another Amra Kuri Adviser and its Secretary Ferdous Ara Bannya were also present on the occasion.
UNB Chairman Amanullah Khan in his address expressed concern that though Bangladesh has a low HIV prevalence rate of less than1% among its vulnerable population, lately on a year to basis, HIV infection rate has been rising in the backdrop of a
significant drop globally in HIV infections with 63% increase in providing access of AIDS victims to the treatment and drugs during the last two years.
“Our close geographical proximity to high risk countries with porous borders, risky behaviour pattern among a section of our population, lack of mass awareness and information about the disease and its mode of transmission as well as our inadequate healthcare system make us susceptible to the AIDS epidemic,” he pointed out adding that the rise in the HIV cases in Bangladesh is a warning signal and a wake-up call. “There should be no room for complacency on our part and we should put in place adequate safety measures to curb the impending menace and prevent the worst from happening.” Amra Kuri” adviser pleaded The chief guest also urged the participants who are engaged in building their future career to strive to become a positive force in the society by taking up a leadership role in the crusade against deadly diseases like HIV/AIDS. He also exhorted them to share the knowledge and information gained by them about AIDS with their companions and acquaintances in order to protect them from contracting the HIV virus. He also appealed to the participants to foster a knowledge-based society in search of a disease free world.
Dr Jahangir Alam stressed the need for involving the children in awareness building campaigns against AIDS. They can be better and more effective campaigners than others. he added. “Given due time and guidance the children can perform and deliver very well on crucial matters that challenge the nation like AIDS,” he observed.
A quiz contest, drawing and debate competitions were held on the occasion and later prizes were distributed among the winners. Amra Kuri members also held a rally in front of the Jatiya Press Club, marking the day.
