James Kon
Iswandy bin Ahmad remains at the helm of Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council (BDAIDSC) after he was re-elected as president of the association during the recent annual general meeting at the Health Promotion Centre (HPC) in Berakas.
Iswandy will be assisted by Vice-President (Administration) Mohamad Hazrin bin Daud and Vice-President (Activities & Events) Siti Kailene binti Mohd Jazlan Kashfi.
Other elected officials are: Secretary (Administration) Norul AlHakim bin Awang Pandin; Secretary (Activities & Events) Muhammad Ikhwan Ali Alfiat bin Mohammad Irwan; Treasurer Andy Tan bin Abdullah; and Secretary Media & Public Relations Nurul Adilah binti Mahmud.
Iswandy noted the challenges posed by COVID-19 on raising awareness of HIV and AIDS as well as its testings. The president thanked His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the continuous support of the council since its establishment 20 years ago.
He also expressed gratefulness that the council managed to mark World AIDS Day every year; organised nationwide HIV testing in private clinics and health centres in 2021; and launched AIDS Council Operation Centre at the HPC last year.
Iswandy recalled the stigma and misinformation on HIV and AIDS in the past, which led to patients being shunned by the society including their families. However, in recent years, awareness has increased with programmes, such as HIV Awareness Programme for Peers and Youth (HAPPY), which won the Youth Project Award during the National Youth Day celebration in 2021.
The president also noted the council’s role in youth development, where some volunteers have achieved success within and without the council with some recognised locally and abroad.
