American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) organized a seminar on “VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC FEVERS OF PUBLIC HEALTH IMPORTANCE” which was held on 2 December 2016 at AIUB Auditorium. The event was arranged by Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) and graced by the chief guest Prof ABM Abdullah (personal physician of the Prime Minister and recipient of “EKUSHY PADAK”), Professor and Dean of faculty of Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Brig. Gen. Md. Abdul Majid Bhuiyan (Retd), former Course Chairman, MPH course, Armed Forces Medical Institute and former director, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University was the speaker of this Seminar. The program was commenced with the inspirational opening remarks and welcome speech from Pro-Vice Chancellor of AIUB Prof. Dr. Charles C. Villanueva. He explained the importance of acquiring expertise knowledge on Viral Hemorrhagic fever for the Public Health graduates in present scenario and justified the reason behind the seminar. Moreover, he added that having such a reputed and distinguished personality as the chief guest and speaker is actually an honor as well as opportunity for the Public Health students to acquire the highest possible knowledge on Viral Hemorrhagic Fever that they might not get in any books. VHF are clinically manifested in different forms with distinct characteristics, causes behind and modes of transmission; transmitted through different vectors whose existence could hardly be controlled in the natural environment. Our distinguished speaker of the seminar quoted that “Viral Hemorrhagic Fever cannot be eradicated but it can be prevented”. This is where the role of PHP becomes significant. He also explained that VHF has always created the panic scenario in the world with its sporadic outbreak throughout the world at certain point of time. Africa had always been the most vulnerable of this disease outbreak with the highest case fatality rate of 49%. The Hon. Chief Guest added in his speech that preventive strategy is the best measure to fight VHF throughout the world. No matter how tragic the scenario of VHF outbreak may appear to the community people and layman, it is important for the PHP to assure community that, VHF is self-subsiding illness and panicking will only make the scenario the worst. The fighting against illness depends solely on preventive strategy and implementation tactics at global level because nature and vectors has no boundaries. The question and answer session following presentation and Chief Guest’s expert opinion cleared the doubts of the participants that VHF has no treatment at all and the practice of prescribing steroids or other medication in Bangladesh by doctors here is generally the enforcement of Placebo Effect. Eventually, the seminar was concluded with the vote of thanks from Prof. Dr. Tazul Islam, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, AIUB followed by felicitation from Prof. Charles to the distinguished speaker and respected Chief Guest. Prof. Dr. A. N. Ahmad Neaz, adviser MPH program, also attended the seminar along with other faculty members.
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