RAJSHAHI, Sept 27, 2020 (BSS)- Experts at a participatory discussion here today unequivocally called for concerted efforts of all the government and non-government entities concerned to contain the spreading of sexually transmitted infection (STI).
They unanimously viewed that knowledge and awareness related to STI has become the crucial issue of the day, adding that there is no alternative to a public-private collective effort to address the problem.
The experts came up with the observation while addressing an advocacy meeting styled “Strengthening STI Services in Public and Private Sector, Rajshahi” held at the office conference hall of the Divisional Director of Health.
Light House organized the meeting in association with the AIDS/STD Programme of the Director General of Health Services and United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA), attended by all officials concerned of the health services.
Director of the Department of Health Services Prof Dr Shamiul Islam addressed the meeting as chief guest, while another Director Dr Mahbubur Rahman, AIDS/STD Programme Director Dr Aminul Islam Mian, Deputy Director of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital Dr Saiful Ferdous and UNFPA Technical Officer Dr Rahat Ara Nur spoke as special guests.
Divisional Director of Health Dr Gopendra Nath Acharya presided over the meeting, while Light House Chief Executive Harun-Or-Rashid welcomed the participants.
The meeting was told that as there is no cure to get rid of the unbearable sufferings from these diseases, prevention is the only solution to get rid of HIV/AIDS and STDs.
Raising awareness among men about the long run effects of these diseases can be the effective means of addressing the reproductive health problems.
During his keynote presentation, Associate Prof Dr Chandan Kumar Roy from the Department of Microbiology in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University said there is a need to improve the education about STI particularly among the vulnerable groups.
Formal, informal and special educational knowledge and awareness programmes may be implemented to educate people concerning STI.
Campaigns and mass media can be used to increase the knowledge and awareness among the community, especially among women.
Policies related to the issue of STI need to be improved and can be emphasized in collaboration with government agencies to ensure the success of these campaigns