Celebrating the occasion LIFE actively involved in advocacy for a change of social and public policy on HIV-AIDS in Bangladesh is organising special programmes to mark the event.

"LIFE started fifteen years ago with a vision of involving young people aware about HIV/AIDS and drug abuse. It was not so easy working with the young people since they hardly wanted to give time to understand the social issues," said Kamrul Islam Sony, founder chairman of the organisation.

"We believe that if we can persuade our young generation into good practices we can prevent certain hazards like HIV transmission from now on and that is the reason why I started the journey on my own without any donation in 1988 to form LIFE having spread its wings to over 30 districts now."

Kamrul also said, "The sexual behavior of young people is influenced by alcohol and drug use, which contribute to HIV risk by impacting sexual behaviour and decision-making. And young people who inject drugs are at high risk of HIV infection through contaminated needles. In addition, HIV is often spread from injection drug users to non-injection drug users through sexual transmission. Certain groups of young people are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection, including young women, men who have sex with men, and minority youth," Kamrul explained.

Kamrul said, "Our activities involve organising special session with youths to discuss and learn about HIV/AIDS and substance abuse. We have covered almost all the major schools and colleges in the capital and also a few private and public universities."

He said, "As is true in much of the world, young women are increasingly at risk of HIV infection even in Bangladesh largely due to lack of knowledge. Many young women do not have the power either to avoid sex with partners who may be HIV-infected or to ensure the use of condoms, and it is believed that many HIV-positive young women are infected by men older than themselves. So if we can educate young not only men but also women we can certainly empower them with information and so they themselves can stay away from hazards of HIV infection."

"Drug abuse or substance abuse is a big problem in major cities and we have targeted this group in educating them about the abuse and the link with HIV," said Kamrul.

The only way to be safe around drugs is not to take them. This is our slogan 'keep away from drugs, know about AIDS'. If you are on drugs you may take risks you normally wouldn't take, and you may have unsafe sex when you would normally be more careful.

If you take drugs, you might find it more difficult to use a condom, or you might forget altogether. One of the most common drugs this can happen with is alcohol - if you're drunk, you might not always know what you're doing, or you might not care.

If you inject drugs, you should always use a clean needle, syringe each time you inject, and never share any of these with anyone else.

Altogether LIFE has been engaged in social awareness on the prevention of drug abuse and tobacco since its inception in 1988 creating environment for marginalised high-risk community for prevention, intervention, care and support programme on improved public health situation with the following objectives;

Social awareness and prevention of drug abuse;

Interventions, care and support for HIV-AIDS;

Reduction in morbidity and mortality attributable to diseases of public health importance;

Development of the urban and rural community;

Promotion for a clean earth;

Peace building and conflict management;

Professor Muhammad Yunus, Founder of Grameen Bank in recognition of outstading contributions to the social commitment said, "LIFE has already set an example in anti-drug movement. Drug addiction is a terrible problem. To counter drug addiction various voluntary organisations like LIFE should come forward to work with the government."

LIFE was also honored being awarded 'Adhunik' award in 2001 for it outstanding contribution in the field of anti-drug and substance abuse. Kamrul received the award from the then president Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed.

In recognition of its works with the young people various United Nations bodies have contracted out LIFE to take further advocacy activities with HIV/AIDS and substance abuse.

LIFE adviser and chairman of United News of Bangladesh Amanullah Khan in his message said, "As prevention is better than cure we should seek to address the basic issues that serve as the breeding ground for this deadly habit. LIFE has a positive role to play and can make itself a force to reckon with."