'More coordination needed to combat HIV/AIDS'

A three-day workshop on 'HIV/ AIDS Mainstreaming at NGOs in Bangladesh' began in the city yesterday with a view to combating HIV/ AIDS in a coordinated way to yield better results.

Around 17 organisations including Brac, HKI Bangladesh, Bela, GUK Gaibandha, Ashrai, GKS Sirajganj, Shakti Foundation and Proshika are taking part in the workshop at IDB Bhaban.

The aim of the workshop is to realise the disease as a reality of life and its link to gender and poverty including its impact on individual, familial and community life.

Implemented by HASAB and supported by Oxfam Novib, the workshop will also discuss global as well as Bangladesh situation of HIV/ AIDS.

It will also impart practical knowledge on the prevention and control of HIV/ AIDS and how to integrate this knowledge with the existing programmes of NGOs besides undertaking a coordinated and mutual supportive effort to combat the disease.

HASAB Executive Director Nazneen Akhter said though activities have been going on since last 15 years to combat HIV/ AIDS, it needs more coordination among the organisations and the government.

"We are talking about stigmatisation and human rights issues of those living with HIV/ AIDS which was not seen in the case of people affected with Leprosy or Tuberculosis," said Prof Nazrul Islam, chairperson of the executive committee of Hasab and chairman of virology department of Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).

Terming it a positive sign, he said people's mindset has also been changed by this time.

Line Director of National AIDS and STD Programme (NASP) Dr SM Mustafa Anwar spoke at the inaugural session as chief guest while NASP Programme Manager Dr Hanif Uddin, Country Coordinator of UNAIDS Bangladesh Dan Odallo, Country Director of Family Health International Robert James Kelly, and Country Director of Terre des Hommes- Netherlands Mahmudul Kabir spoke as special guests.

At the workshop, experts presented papers on 'HIV and AIDS: Global and National Scenario and its Impact', 'Gender and Human Rights in HIV/ AIDS Perspective' and 'Case Study Analysis on Gender and Human Rights in HIV/ AIDS Perspective'.