AIDS COUNCIL

Here it is again today, it’s 1st December &; like any other countries all over the world, Brunei also observes World AIDS Day.

It brings to mind a question - are we just simply “observers”?

World AIDS Day is not just any particular day, it marks the beginning of another year of raising awareness on particular aspects of HIV/AIDS; on how many number of people get tested positive or negative, on how we can educate people on HIV prevention, on how many people have access to medication and healthcare and other important milestones.

Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council is one of the few agencies dealing with HIV & AIDS work in Brunei Darussalam, yet the society can play an important role too; therefore, on behalf of the Council, I am calling for everyone to do their part:
• Family members to show love and understanding, to communicate and spend quality time with their children and young ones;
• Education sectors to educate on HIV and AIDS, teen pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Infections etc.;
• The community in general to remind us all on and reinforce our values as well as support our awareness activities;
• Places of work, be it government or private sector, not to discriminate or stigmatise people, regardless of their health status;
• The media, including social media, to disseminate accurate and timely information;
• Academics and professionals to conduct research on HIV and AIDS related matters;
• Young people to seek correct and morally correct information to empower themselves and influence their peers in today’s world of HIV and AIDS;
• And many more, we have just to play our parts.

As per our Vision, “Together Towards an AIDS-free Brunei Society”, this is only achievable when all relevant are on board. HIV and AIDS is no longer a certain ministry’s or an organisation’s business, nor is it only to be handled by one entity.

We would like to thank the Government of His Majesty for the support and assistance in doing HIV and AIDS advocacy work, our various donors, supporters and partners be it from companies, educational institutions, community leaders, media agencies and individuals who have played their part. A special mention to the volunteers and their families in Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council, including our youth division, the Penyinar Club, who gave their support, ideas, effort, time and even donations; all these to help Brunei Darussalam’s society in raising awareness on HIV and AIDS.

Hence, don’t let’s just be observers of World AIDS Day, let’s be doers and play our own parts accordingly and Insya-Allah, together we work hand-in-hand for Brunei Darussalam towards Zero New HIV Infection, Zero AIDS-related Deaths and Zero Discrimination. Do contact us on Facebook, Twitter @BDAIDSCOUNCIL or drop us an email at penyinarbdac@gmail.com and let’s talk on how we can play our parts together.

- Iswandy Ahmad, President, Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council