Seminar on “Confronting AIDS Challenges of the 21st Century: The Student Community”

A seminar titled “Confronting AIDS Challenges of the 21st Century: The Student Community” was held on Thursday, 5th November 2009 in AIUB Auditorium. The day-long program was organized by Trust for Social Development. The program was sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank as part of bank’s global initiative to create awareness regarding HIV/AIDS. AIUB Business Club (ABC) facilitated and coordinated the whole event as part of their leadership building activities.

The seminar was started with the welcome speech from Mr. Luthfur R. Choudhury, Chief Executive, Trust for Social Development. Among others Mr. Jim McCabe, CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, Bangladesh, Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna, Vice Chancellor, AIUB, and Prof. Anwar Hossain, Pro Vice Chancellor, AIUB were present at the opening session. The guests talked about the importance of the participation from young generation to create awareness about HIV/AIDS in our society. They also talked about the impact and consequences of HIV/AIDS on the world population and the necessity of sex education in our country to prevent this disease.

After the inauguration part the actual session began with an overview on HIV/AIDS presented by Rotarian Mr. Ahmed Farooque, Executive Director, CHESHTA. Dr. Hashrat Ara Begum, Medical Advisor (Asia), Marie Stopes Clinic Society talked about the details of HIV/AIDS and presented the preventive measures. After a tea break the next session was Group Activities on Behavior Change – Building Psychological Competence. This session was carried out by Dr. Sharmina Rahman, from Save the Children, USA. She was also the program member of “Bachte Hole Jante Hobe” social campaign on HIV/AIDS. Then after the Post-perception Quiz, closing remark was given by Ms. Afroza Sarwar, Chief of Operations, Trust for Social Development. The successful program was ended with a vote of thanks from Dr. Charles C. Villanueva, Dean of Faculty of Business Administration, AIUB.

Stationary items, handouts, certificates and lunch pack was distributed among the participants. Specially designed T-shirts and Red Ribbons were provided to the participants to wear and show active participation in creating social awareness about HIV/AIDS on the society.