BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council (BDAC) is proactively reaching out to schools to create awareness on HIV and AIDS prevention, primarily targeting youths aged 14 years old and above.

The BDAC president, Iswandy Ahmad, yesterday told The Brunei Times they have been reaching out to those between ages 16 to 20 thus far, but are currently aiming to speak to those above 14 years of age.

“We have been to seven educational institutions this year, and are looking forward to conduct visits to at least 20 schools this year,’’ he said.

Iswandy said as the number of local HIV cases are between the 20 to 29 age group, it is important to equip teenagers and the youth with knowledge on HIV and AIDS prevention, including information on teenage pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).

As some of the youth they are targeting are working, he added, it is harder for them to attend the BDAC’s Life Skills Programme for HIV awareness.

Therefore, Iswandy said it is easier for the council to go to their schools and colleges to speak with them.

“Basically, what we share with them is knowledge on HIV and AIDS transmission, prevention, social, cultural and religious values, statistics, refrain from sex until marriage, and once married, being faithful to one partner. We also share what STDs are and the importance of not discriminating people living with HIV,’’ he explained.

Iswandy said council is hoping for young adults to be empowered and to know that HIV transmission is preventable.

“We are also hoping that they do not discriminate people living with HIV as they could be one’s family members, friends or even neighbours,’’ he said.

Among the schools the council will be visiting within the next few months are the Rimba 2 Secondary School, Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College (Maktab Duli), the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Secondary School in Tutong, St Margaret’s School in Seria and the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Secondary School in Lumut.

For more information, the public can email the BDAC at penyinarbdac@gmail.com.

The Brunei Times