The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Media could play an important role simultaneously with the government and NGOs to fight against HIV/AIDS.

HIV and AIDS situation is the worst in India among the South Asian countries. Though the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS patients is slow in Bangladesh, but it is under risk factor.

This was disclosed at the inauguration of two-day long workshop on 'Dhaka Dialogue on HIV and AIDS' jointly organised by National Media Forum on HIV and AIDS, Panos Bangladesh and ActionAid International in support with USAID at a city hotel yesterday.

Jamil Osman, Secretary for Ministry for Information, Ramesh Venkataraman, Coordinator of Asia HIV and AIDS, Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Convener of National Media Forum on HIV and AIDS, Farid Hossain, Bureau Chief of Associated Press (AP), spoke at the inaugural session.

Rahul Dev from India was the facilitator at the working session. Besides, Sanjay Dev, journalist from India were also present on the occasion.

People living with HIV and AIDS in Bangladesh still face stigma and discrimination in their daily lives. Media could play as informer as their ethical responsibility to create awareness among the people, the speakers said.

The workshop will conclude today.