They said only the integrated and coordinated efforts can prevent spread of the disease, as the number of HIV positives in the country is much smaller than other countries.

The speakers called upon the media to work for the issue with more responsibility, as the main 'vaccine' to get rid of the deadly disease is information and awareness.

The workshop titled 'Role of media for HIV/AIDS infected and affected people' was organised by STI/AIDS Network of Bangladesh at the National Press Club in the city.

The speakers urged the media to highlight the issue positively so that the HIV/AIDS patients do not feel ostracised.

STI/AIDS Network Secretary General Mizanur Rahman presented a keynote paper where he pointed out that a total of 40 million people were affected by HIV as of 2005 in the world and a total of 658 cases of HIV/AIDS have been confirmed in Bangladesh as of December 2005.

He also said of the 658 cases, 134 patients have been infected with AIDS and out of them 74 people have already died.

He also said the number of probable HIV positive people are about 7500 in the country.

The most vulnerable group of HIV/AIDS is younger people and around 33 million younger people have no idea about the disease, he said

Addressing the workshop as the chief guest, Dr Abdus Salim, programme manager of National AIDS and STD Programme (NASP), said the country is really under a threat of HIV/AIDS outbreak due to its geographical position.

He said the government is very concerned regarding the issue and about 35 lakh people, including community, political and religious leaders, have been sensitised through its advocacy programme.

"We have selected 16 ministries in different focal points and we are not only discussing with them but also incorporating the HIV/AIDS issue in the various programmes of different ministries ", he said.

Apart from the media, the religious leaders can play an important role in raising awareness about the issue, he added.

Chairperson of STI/AIDS Network Wahida Banu said people of the country are now much aware of the disease and it has only been possible for the media

Social mobilisation is a must to prevent spread of the disease, she said and urged all to work together to help the HIV/AIDS patients live a normal life.

While sharing the experience, an HIV positive patient said the HIV/AIDS patients are deprived of many social rights and they not only need treatment but also sympathy, support, and care of all.

Iqbal Ahmed, vice chairperson and Mohammad Alauddin, executive committee member of STI/AIDS of Bangladesh, also spoke on the occasion.