World Aids Day Activities of UNAIDS Bangladesh

(Last update 1 Dec 2007)

UNAIDS Media Award 2007-2008

Given the critical role media plays in addressing HIV and AIDS issues, particularly societal stigma and discrimination,  the joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS has launched the ‘UNAIDS Media Award 2007-2008’ for exceptional reporting on HIV and AIDS issues in Bangladesh.

The UNAIDS Media Awards in Bangladesh are honoring excellence in Journalism through recognition of creative, professional and accessible news pieces that address HIV and AIDS issues. The aim of the Media Awards is two fold; firstly to recognize media professionals for their work in highlighting human rights violations, HIV prevalence and its effect on development and the work of various actors in this process. And, secondly to encourage journalists and media professionals to increase their frequency of coverage and quality of reporting within a framework of ethical journalism.

Journalists from the fields of print media, television and radio, will be judged in two categories. Winners will be announced publicly on World Aids Day and formally presented with prizes in March 2008.

Launch of Media Campaign for the Asia Pacific Leadership Forum – 16 November

On the 16 November UNAIDS Bangladesh publicly launched a national campaign promoting its new champions of the Asia Pacific Leadership Forum. A series of press advertisements, television commercials and billboards are being utilized to raise public awareness and promote the role of well known leaders in Bangladesh’s response to HIV and AIDS.

This initiative is one result of a joint partnership between Grameen Phone and UNAIDS. 

Red Ribbon Run (20 November – 13 December, 2007)

The UN Information Center (UNIC) in Dhaka inaugurated their Celebrations of World AIDS Day with the “Red Ribbon Run 2007” in collaboration with UNAIDS, Shaptashikha Health, Education and Environmental Foundation (SHEEF) and United Nations Youth and Students Association of Bangladesh (UNYSAB).

This innovative program was the first of it’s kind in Bangladesh. The event attracted young people in raise awareness about HIV and AIDS through sports and cultural events, highlighting the impacts in Bangladesh . Under this unique initiative six young people will draw the shape of Red Ribbon on the map of Bangladesh in 5 cities of the country. They young people are currently touring in a 26 day program, cultural events are being held in conjunction with the Red Ribbon Runs.

The launching ceremony was followed by a demo run starting from UN building. The program was jointly inaugurated by national AIDS authority (NASP) officials and heads of UNIC and UNAIDS. Around 100 people attended the inauguration ceremony; including a large number of university students. Nationally recognized leaders and high profile media personalities also participated in the event.

Review of the UN Learning Strategy (UNLS) and Joint team Work Plan 2008 ( 21 -22 November)

UNAIDS Bangladesh used the momentum surrounding World Aids Day 2007 to continue to roll out the UN Learning Strategy to support the response to HIV and AIDS within the UN and among UN families.

UNAIDS staff facilitated a 2 day workshop for heads of agencies and human resource personnel to look at crucial issues of HIV in the work place; UN Cares and UN Plus; and will also hear  personal perspectives. The workshop participants also decided on key area of focus of joint activities in 2008.

Film Premier- 27 November

UNAIDS in Bangladesh are taking the lead in breaking down barriers to increase public dialogue on HIV and AIDS. A premier screening of the new film Utsho, (the Source) was held in the Public Library Auditorium on the 28th November in the lead up to World AIDS Day. The film is only the second in Bangladesh to focus on HIV and AIDS related issues and “attempts to encourage young people and the general population to start a conversation about stigma and discrimination” said script writer (name). Approximately three hundred young people, development workers and senior government officials attended the premier.

The film narrates issues of stigma and discrimination of a middle class HIV positive couple in Bangladesh. It touches upon the social, cultural and medical discrimination that people living with HIV and AIDS face in Bangladesh on the daily basis. The film gives HIV and AIDS a human face, taking it out from public health domain. In Bangladesh many issues related to HIV and AIDS are taboo, UNAIDS believes that this film will continue to create much needed discussion about AIDS among the general population without stigmatising anyone.  

UNAIDS supports the effort and making of such creative materials and sees it as an opportunity for mainstreaming AIDS issues.

Honourable Health Advisor, Maj. Gen. Dr ASM Matiur Rahman (Retd.) addressed the audience and reinforced his leadership in eradicating stigma and discrimination, inviting the audience to do the same. UNAIDS Country Coordinator Mr Dan Odallo praised the commitment of leaders and appealed to all Bangladeshi’s to “stand united in our pledge to build an AIDS free Bangladesh”.

Grameen phone, co-sponsors of the event were also recognised for their corporate leadership and social responsibility in the fight against AIDS reiterating their recent statements that “Private and public partnership can be most instrumental in effectively addressing AIDS epidemic”.

Special guests included; Bibi Russel, national fashion icon and Asia Pacific Leadership Forum Champion on HIV and AIDS, Ms Selina Hossain, renowned writer, Ms Habiba Akter, Chairperson Ashar Alo Society, UNFPA representative Arthur Erken, Officer-in-charge UNIC, Kazi Ali Reza and representatives of Resident Coordinator’s Office, UNDP, UNHCR.

(The film will go to air on Bangladesh television in the coming months)

Round Table Meeting on Workplace and HIV Policy: Grameenphone Ltd. and UNAIDS – 5 December

As part of UNAIDS commitment to reducing stigma and discrimination within workplaces, UNAIDS will facilitate a round table meeting on workplace and HIV policy with Grameen Phone, one of the countries largest mobile phone services.

UNAIDS will be facilitating training for Grameen Phone Staff on HIV and AIDS and We Care policy for staff.

Round Table Meeting with Media and PLHA: Treatment and Care for People PLHA in Bangladesh– 9 December

Again recognizing the critical role of media as an advocacy and awareness tool, UNAIDS will support people living with HIV and AIDS in a roundtable media discussion on the topic of ensuring human rights of PLHAs, especially in Treatment and Care in Bangladesh. The discussion is expected to focus on the critical issue of access to antiretroviral treatment for people living with HIV and AIDS in Bangladesh.