NGO to step up fight against AIDS

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - THE Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council’s (BDAC) youth wing plans to step up efforts in raising public awareness on the disease through a number of activities next year.

One of the activities organised by Penyinar Club included a programme that encourages youth to go for HIV/AIDS testing at government clinics and hospitals.

Secretary for BDAC Administration Ak Muhd Al-Muttaqibillah Pg Hj Hasan said the move aimed to encourage more youth to test themselves, especially those who are at risk.

“It’s a programme to empower young people to know their HIV status because ignorance is not bliss. Once a person knows, he or she are eligible for counselling sessions and could lead a normal life so as not to infect other people by practising safe sex,’’ he said during the club’s third meeting yesterday.

“HIV positive people are still able to have intercourse, but they have to let their sex partner know their status and to practise preventive measures and regular HIV testing to prevent the partner from contracting the virus,’’ he added.

The committee will also re-introduced the “leaflet trail”, which aimed to educate the public on HIV and AIDS by distributing leaflets at shopping areas such as The Mall, Times Square Shopping Centre, as well as around the vicinity of Yayasan Shopping Complex.

“We will not only be giving out leaflets, but will also explain the content of the leaflet. We have to be proactive, and training will be given to members on how to approach the public,’’ said Hazrin Daud, vice-president of BDAC.

The committee is also looking at getting international speakers for the “New Generation Leadership Programme’’ in March next year, said Kailene Kashfi, captain of Penyinar club.

He said the leadership programme would help members learn from the experiences of other NGOs.

In addition, the committee will provide training to its members on doing administration work.

“This programme which we call ‘PROACTIVE’ aims to trained members on the secretariat side such as preparing reports and meetings,’’ Hazrin said.

A fundraising programme in the form of a second pop-up sale will also take place next year.

“Earlier this year, we held the pilot project of the pop-up sale which raised about $2,000. For the coming programme, there will be a haunted house as well as vendors from online sellers,’’ he added.

The Brunei Times