Syeda Amtul

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — Batterjee Medical College (BMC) hosted the "World Aids Day" in collaboration with the ministry of health, the Saudi Society of Micro-organisms and Infectious Diseases and Youth Council of Makah region for development.



The event took place at sheikh Abdul-Jalil auditorium at BMC campus under the slogan "Stop the fear, stop the disease."



The event included an awareness exhibition, visual presentations and educational seminars that shed the light on the human immune system, the epidemiological situation that accompanies the disease, HIV modes of transmission, a clinical background of the disease, ways to prevent it and the importance of discovering the disease at an early stage.



Early discovery will enable early treatment that will minimize the effects of the disease and its complications.  The seminars also discussed the latest developments in diagnosing AIDS, the rights of AIDS patients and ways to deal with them.



Brochures and manuals containing information about the disease and modes of transmission were also distributed.



An early screening test was conducted for those who wished to take it. Dr. Hassan Shaibah, BMC dean, said: "BMC is very keen on organizing international days, seminars and lectures inside and outside the college because such events and activities encourage and motivate students to create a learning environment that is attractive and stimulating."



In this context, Engineer Sobhi Batterjee, chairman of the board of trustees, stressed on the need to focus on the upbringing of our children to adhere to the teachings of our religion and morality and to raise awareness of the serious dangers of forbidden sexual acts. Other activities that were an extension of the event were a red car parade right before the event with slogans on the car.



A photography booth for guests to show their support by wearing boxing gloves or blindfolded by red scarves symbolized the message of the event. Guests wrote messages on AIDs or patients or simply how they felt as to express their opinions and feelings.



An educational booth with brochures and all the information needed about the disease was also available, including a secretive testing booth to make guests feel comfortable.



"Don’t be afraid from this disease, it’s a virus but be careful. There is a solution and now many advance researches are going on for the cure of this disease,’’ said Dr.Ahmed Fallatah, one of the organizer of the event.