Thursday, October 14, 2010

Bengkel "Kaunseling Dalam HIV/AIDS Workshop on "Counselling in HIV/AIDS

8 dan 9 hb November (Isnin dan Selasa)
8th and 9th November (Monday and Tuesday)

Dianjurkan Oleh/Organized By:
AIDS Action & Research Group
School of Social Sciences
Universiti Sains Malaysia

Tempat/Venue:
Bilik Persidangan / Conference Room
C06
Pusat Pengajian Sains Kemasyarakatan / School of Social Sciences
Universiti Sains Malaysia
11800 Penang


OBJEKTIF/ OBJECTIVES

Kaunseling dalam HIV/AIDS : Pengurusan psikososial kepada orang yang hidup dengan HIV/AIDS (ODHA) boleh mengurangkan transmisi HIV dan juga boleh menyediakan sokongan sosial kepada mereka yang telah terlibat dengan pandemik ini. ODHA telah berhadapan dengan banyak isu-isu psikososial seperti takut tidak diterima, stigma sosial, stres, penyakit yang berterusan dan ketidapastian tentang masa hadapan mereka sama ada dari aspek perubatan dan psikologikal. Kaunseling penting dalam memberi sokongan kepada ODHA dan keluarga mereka. Melalui kaunseling yang betul kita boleh mengurangkan sebahagian dari isu-isu psikologikal dan pada masa yang sama mengurangkan jangkitan HIV/AIDS itu sendiri. Pada akhir bengkel ini, peserta akan dapat:                               
Counseling in HIV/AIDS : Psychosocial management of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) can prevent HIV tramsmission and also provide social support to those affected by the pandemic. PLWHAs have been confronted with many psychosocial issues such as fear of rejection, social stigma, stress, disease progression and uncertainties about their future both medically and psychologically. Counseling is essential in providing support to PLWHAs and their families. Through proper counseling we can minimize some of these psychological issues as well as prevent the spread of HIV infections. At the end of the workshop participant will be able to:

1.       Memahami konsep-konsep asas kaunseling yang berkaitan dengan pencegahan dan pengurusan HIV/AIDS.
                Understand the basic concepts of counseling               related to HIV/AIDS prevention and               management.
2.       Memahami prinsip-prinsip ujian sukarela, pra dan pasca kaunseling dan Ujian Tanpa Nama (VCT).
                Understand the principles of Voluntary         Counseling and Testing (VCT), Pre and Post Test       Counseling  and Anonymous Testing.
3.       Memahami epidemiologi dan psikososial HIV/AIDS.
                Understand the epidemiology and psychosocial          aspects of HIV/AIDS.
4.       Mendapatkan kemahiran asas tentang kaunseling dan HIV/AIDS.
                Gain basic skills in HIV/AIDS counseling.

PENCERAMAH/ SPEAKERS

Assoc. Prof. Dr Ismail Baba, School of Social Sciences, USM
Dr. Azlinda Azman, School of Social Sciences, USM
SN Jubaidah Bee Nagoor Pitchay, Hospital Seberang Jaya
Dr Chow Ting Soo, Hospital Pulau Pinang

PESERTA/PARTICIPANTS

1.   Kakitangan Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri, Hospital & Kolej Kejururawatan
            Staff of State Health Departments, Hospitals and Nursing Schools
2.  Ahli-ahli Persatuan Sukarela
            Members of Voluntary Organizations
3.  Ahli-ahli Agensi Kerajaan             
            Members of Government Agencies
4. Sesiapa yang berminat dengan isu HIV/AIDS
            Anyone who is interested in the field of HIV/AIDS

SIJIL/ CERTIFICATION
Sijil penyertaan akan diberikan kepada peserta yang menghadiri bengkel.
Certificates of attendance will be issued to those attending the workshop.

YURAN/ FEE
Pendaftaran sebanyak RM 300  setiap peserta (LO RM320).
        The Registration Fee is RM 300 per participant (LO RM320).

BAHASA/ LANGUAGE
Bahasa Inggeris & Bahasa Melayu akan digunakan di dalam bengkel.
English and Bahasa Melayu will be used in the workshop.

PENGINAPAN/ACCOMMODATION
Peserta diharap agar menguruskan sendiri penginapan & pengangkutan. Senarai hotel di Pulau Pinang dilampirkan.
Participants are expected to make their own arrangement for accommodation and transportation. Attached is a list of hotels in Penang.

PENDAFTARAN /REGISTRATION
Sila lengkapkan borang pendaftaran dan kembalikan berserta dengan cek, wang pos atau Local Order (LO) berbayar kepada AIDS ACTION AND RESEARCH GROUP sebelum 29hb Oktober 2010 (Jumaat).
Please fill in the registration form and return with cheque, money order or Local Order (LO) payable to AIDS ACTION AND RESEARCH GROUP before 29th October 2010 (Friday).
 


Untuk keterangan lanjut / For further information please contact:


Urusetia/ Secretariat
Workshop on “Counseling in HIV/AIDS” 
AIDS Action and Research Group (AARG)
School of Social Sciences
Universiti Sains Malaysia
11800 Penang.
Tel : 04-6533955/6565984  H/P: 016-4356138
Tel/Fax : 04-6565984
E-mail : aargusm@po.jaring.my

Sunday, June 6, 2010

PART TIME RESEARCH ASSISTANT WANTED. Training provided 19th & 20th June, 3.00pm - 7.30pm

Job description – Part-time Research Assistant
1. Details
Project Name: PUSH PROJECT (PLU SEXUAL HEALTH)
Organisation: University of Malaya – Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), No. 9, Jalan 12/5, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Shift available: 13th July – 16th Oct 2010; Tues-Sat; 8pm-11pm
Remuneration: RM30 per shift/day
Location:
(1) Family Health and Development Association (FHDA), Perak Road, Georgetown
(2) FHDA Maycare, Seberang Jaya
(3) AIDS Action Research Group (AARG), University Sains Malaysia
2. Program Overview
There remains minimal epidemiological data available on HIV/AIDS, particularly the most-at-risk population (injecting drug users “IDUs”, commercial sex workers “CSWs”, and men who have sex with men “MSM”). The CERiA under University of Malaya are undertaking the PUSH Project in Penang. The research study will involve various stakeholders and MSM community in Penang, which may require committed individual who is capable to assist in electronic survey process, to offer pre/post-test information, and to perform the HIV/Syphilis rapid tests.
3. Duties of the Full-time Research Assistant
 Promote a non-threatening environment for participants
 Explain project to participant and obtain written informed consent
 Ensure netbook is operating well
 Offer pre/post-test information and IEC materials
 Collect blood sample for rapid tests, disclose results, and offer referral to treatment
 Ensure appropriate labelling of test kits
4. Professional/personal requirements
Essential
 Able to communicate in at least two languages, Bahasa Malaysia, English or Chinese
 Ability to function both independently and as a team
 Ability to follow guidelines or instruction given
 Ability and flexibility to understand the sensitive nature of working with MSMs and HIV prevention
 Ability to operate computer
Desirable
 Good sense of humour
 Knowledge of HIV/AIDS
Training
 Will be provided in June 19 & 20 at USM, at 3pm-7.30pm
5. Apply for this job now!
Interested candidate kindly contact Clarence Sim, MSM Project Coordinator at 016-6604611 or email at arqsim@yahoo.com
Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA)
Infectious Disease Unit
2nd Floor, Menara Utama
University Malaya Medical Center
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : + 603 7960 9717
Fax: + 603 7960 9729

Monday, May 10, 2010

BENGKEL GADIS, WANITA DAN HIV?AIDS WORKSHOP ON HIV/AIDS, GIRLS AND WOMEN

DATE: 1st and 2nd July 2010 (Thursday and Friday)

TIME: 8.30am - 5.00pm



VENUE: Bilik Persidangan (C23), Pusat Pengajian Sains Kemasyarakatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang


OBJECTIVES
Women are often sidelined in the fight against HIV/AIDS and are often silent victims due to a lack of knowledge and denial. Empowerment is needed to arm women with the necessary knowledge and to negotiate safer behaviors that preserve their health and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. Professionals involved directly with female PLWHAs also need to be empowered to manage them in an assertive yet compassionate manner. At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
1. Empower women on issues related to HIV/AIDS.
2. Educate participants on how to manage female PLWHAs.
3. Gain knowledge in negotiating safer sex with condoms.

SPEAKERS
• Associate Professor Dr Ismail Baba, P. P. Sains Kemasyarakatan, USM
• Dr. Azlinda Azman, P. P. Sains Kemasyarakatan, USM
• Dr. Janizah Abd. Ghani, Jab. Kesihatan Negeri P.Pinang
• Dr. Chow Ting Soo, Hospital Besar, P. Pinang
• Dr. Mary Huang, Universiti Putra Malaysia
• SN Jubaidah Bee Binti Nagoor Pitchay, Hospital Sbrg. Jaya, Penang
• Ms. Christine Low Bee Cheng, FDHA Penang
• Mdm. Muniamah a/p Subramaniam, AADK, P. Pinang

PARTICIPANTS
1. Staff of State Health Departments, Hospitals and Nursing Schools
2. Members of Voluntary Organizations
3. Members of Government Agencies
4. Anyone who is interested in the field of HIV/AIDS

CERTIFICATION
Certificates of attendance will be issued to those attending the workshop.

FEE
The Registration Fee is RM 300 per participant.
Payment by LO (RM320 per participant)


LANGUAGE
English and Bahasa Melayu will be used in the workshop.


ACCOMMODATION
Participants are expected to make their own arrangement for
accommodation and transportation.


REGISTRATION
To register, please send payment via money order or Local Order (LO) payable to AIDS ACTION
AND RESEARCH GROUP before 25th June 2010 (Friday) to address below and please contact:
Secretariat
Workshop on “HIV/AIDS, Girls & Women”
AIDS Action and Research Group (AARG)
School of Social Sciences
Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang.
Tel: 04 - 6533 955 / 6565 984
Tel/Fax: 04 - 6565 984
E-mail: aargusm@po.jaring.my & aarg@usm.my
Website: http://www.aidsactionresearchgroupusm.blogspot.com

********************************************************************************

TARIKH: 1 & 2 hb Julai 2010

MASA: 8.30 pagi - 5.00 petang

TEMPAT: Bilik Persidangan (C23), Pusat Pengajian Sains Kemasyarakatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang


OBJEKTIF
Wanita seringkali dipinggirkan dalam usaha menentang HIV/AIDS dan selalu menjadi mangsa secara senyap
kerana kekurangan pengetahuan dan perhatian. Amatlah perlu untuk memperkasakan wanita dengan pengetahuan yang perlu dan membincangkan tingkahlaku yang selamat dalam mengekalkan kesihatan dan menghalang penularan HIV/AIDS. Penglibatan secara langsung para profesional dengan wanita yang hidup dengan HIV/AIDS turut perlu diperkasakan dalam mengurus mereka dengan tegas dan belas kasihan. Pada akhir bengkel ini, peserta akan dapat:
1. Memperkasakan wanita tentang isu-isu berkenaan dengan HIV/AIDS.
2. Mengajar peserta cara mengurus perempuan ODHA.
3. Mengetahui bagaimana menggunakan kondom untuk seks selamat.


PENCERAMAH
  • Prof. Madya Dr Ismail Baba, P. P. Sains Kemasyarakatan, USM
• Dr. Azlinda Azman, P. P. Sains Kemasyarakatan, USM
• Dr. Janizah Abd. Ghani, Jab. Kesihatan Negeri P.Pinang
• Dr. Chow Ting Soo, Hospital Besar, P. Pinang
• Dr. Mary Huang, Universiti Putra Malaysia
• SN Jubaidah Bee Binti Nagoor Pitchay, Hospital Sbrg. Jaya, Penang
• Ms. Christine Low Bee Cheng, FDHA Penang
• Mdm. Muniamah a/p Subramaniam, AADK, P. Pinang

PESERTA
1. Kakitangan Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri, Hospital & Kolej Kejururawatan
2. Ahli-ahli Persatuan Sukarela
3. Ahli-ahli Agensi Kerajaan
4. Sesiapa yang berminat dengan isu HIV/AIDS







YURAN
Pendaftaran sebanyak RM 300 setiap peserta.
Pembayaran melalui LO (RM320 setiap peserta)



BAHASA
Bahasa Inggeris & Bahasa Melayu akan digunakan di dalam bengkel.

PENGINAPAN
Peserta diharap agar menguruskan sendiri penginapan &
pengangkutan. 

PENDAFTARAN
Sila hantarkan yuran melalui cek, wang pos atau Local Order (LO) berbayar kepada
AIDS ACTION AND RESEARCH GROUP sebelum 25hb Jun 2010 (Jumaat) kepada dan sila hubungi:
Urusetia
Workshop on “HIV/AIDS, Girls & Women”
AIDS Action and Research Group (AARG)
School of Social Sciences
Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang.
Tel: 04 - 6533 955 / 6565 984
Tel/Fax: 04 - 6565 984
E-mail: aargusm@po.jaring.my & aarg@usm.my
Website: http://www.aidsactionresearchgroupusm.blogspot.com

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

JOB OPENING FOR RESEARCH ASSISTANT - MSM, HIV/AIDS AND SYPHILIS

Job description – Research Assistant
1. Details
Project Name: PUSH PROJECT (PLU SEXUAL HEALTH SURVEY PENANG PROJECT)
Organisation: University of Malaya – Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), No. 9, Jalan 12/5, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Contract duration: Full-time (4 months) from 1st June to 30th September 2010
Remuneration: RM1300 monthly + EPF 12%
Assigned location for duty at one of the following location and working days/time:
(1) Family Health and Development Association (FHDA), Perak Road, Georgetown (5-day; Tues-Sat; 9am-6pm)
(2) FHDA Maycare, Seberang Jaya (5-day; Tues-Sat; 12.30pm-9.30pm)
(3) AIDS Action Research Group (AARG), University Sains Malaysia, Block C14 (5-day; Tues-Sat; 12.30pm-9.30pm)
Responsible to: Research Officer, Penang
Project Coordinator, CERiA
2. Program Overview
There remains minimal epidemiological data available on HIV/AIDS, particularly the most-at-risk population (injecting drug users “IDUs”, commercial sex workers “CSWs”, and men who have sex with men “MSM”). The CERiA under University of Malaya are undertaking the PUSH Project in Penang. The research study will involve various stakeholders and MSM community in Penang, which may require committed individual who is capable to assist in electronic survey process, to offer pre/post-test information, and to perform the HIV/Syphilis rapid tests.
3. Duties of the Full-time Research Assistant
 Implement project at the site according to the protocol
 Manage the work with one other research assistant
 Ensure netbook is operating well and kept safely after use
 Promote a non-threatening environment for participants
 Explain project to participant and obtain written informed consent
 Offer pre/post-test information and IEC materials
 Collect blood sample for rapid tests, disclose results, and offer referral to treatment
 Ensure appropriate labelling of test kits
 Handle cash reimbursement to participants
 Ensure the supplies at site are well-maintained at all time
 Backup the data collection
 Participate in the weekly progress discussion
 Assist in the promotion of project from time to time to achieve target number and population
4. Professional/personal requirements
Essential
 Able to communicate in at least two languages, Bahasa Malaysia, English or Chinese
 Ability to function both independently and as a team
 Ability to follow guidelines or instruction given
 Ability and flexibility to understand the sensitive nature of working with MSMs and HIV prevention
 Ability to use computer, internet and Microsoft Excel
Desirable
 Good sense of humour
 Knowledge of HIV/AIDS
5. Learning expectations
Training (will be provided in June)
Research protocol
Operating a netbook
Providing pre/post-test information
Performing rapid test
5. Apply for this job now!
Interested candidate kindly email your resume to Clarence Sim at arqsim@yahoo.com before 14th May 2010.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Workshop on "MSM & HIV/AIDS" / Bengkel HIV/AIDS & MSM

AARG of the School of Social Sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia is proud to organize the "MSM & HIV/AIDS Workshop" on the 3rd & 4th of June 2010 (Thursday and Friday) from 8.30am - 5.00pm.


OBJECTIVES
The Men Having Sex With Men (MSM) Community is often a misunderstood and marginalized community. Within this marginalized community the HIV/AIDS epidemic has left a strong impact and efforts at curbing the epidemic have been difficult due to the diversity of the MSM community. This workshop encourages knowledge regarding the diversity within the MSM community, as well as the challenges faced by this community in the context of HIV/AIDS. By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
1. Identify different populations within the MSM community.
2. Identify risks and chalenges of HIV/AIDS within each population.
3. Gain knowledge in negotiating safer sex with condoms.

SPEAKERS
Associate Professor Ismail Baba, School of Social Sciences, USM
Dr Janizah Abdul Ghani, Health Department of Penang
Dr Ilyas Adam Yee, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
Mr Mark Stephan Felix, AARG, USM
Mr Raymond Tay, PT Foundation, Kuala Lumpur
CERTIFICATION
Certificates of attendance will be issued to those attending the workshop.

PARTICIPANTS
1. Staff of State Health Departments, Hospitals and Nursing Schools.
2. Members of Voluntary Organizations
3. Members of government agencies
4. Anyone who is interested in the field of HIV/AIDS

LANGUAGE
English and Bahasa Malaysia will be used in the workshop.

ACCOMMODATION
Participants are expected to make their own arrangements for accommodation and transportation.

FEE
There is a registration fee of RM300 per participant. Payment may be made by cheque, money order or local order. Registration fees made by Local Order (LO) is RM320.

REGISTRATION
To register, please contact:
Secretariat
Workshop on "MSM & HIV/AIDS"
AIDS Action and Research Group (AARG)
School of Social Sciences
University Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang
Tel: 04-6533955/6565984
Fax: 04-6565984
Email: aargusm@po.jaring.my or aarg@usm.my

AARG dari Pusat Pengajian Sains Kemasyarakatan Universiti Sains Malaysia bangga menganjurkan "Bengkel HIV/AIDS & MSM" pada 3 dan 4 haribulan Jun (Khamis & Jumaat) dari pukul 8.30 pagi - 5.00 petang.

OBJEKTIF
Golongan lelaki yang mengadakan seks dengan lelaki atau "men having sex with men" (MSM) seringkali disalah erti dan merupakan golongan yang terpinggir daripada masyarakat. Di kalangan golongan MSM ini, epidemik HIV/AIDS telah meninggalkan kesan yang ketara terhadap mereka. Usaha untuk mencegah HIV/AIDS di kalangan MSM juga terhalang disebabkan oleh kekurangan pemahaman terhadap kepelbagaian isu yang ada pada golongan ini. Bengkel ini akan membantu meningkatkan pengetahuan terhadap kepelbagaian isu yang ada dikalangan MSM, dan juga cabaran-cabaran yang dihadapi oleh mereka. Pada akhir bengkel ini, peserta akan:
1. Mengenali populasi yang berasingan di dalam komuniti MSM.
2. Mengenali risiko dan cabaran HIV/AIDS di dalam populasi-populasi MSM.
3. Mendapat pengetahuan bagaimana berunding untuk seks selamat dengan menggunakan kondom.

PENCERAMAH
Professor Madya Ismail Baba, P.P. Sains Kemasyarakatan Universiti Sains Malaysia
Dr Janizah Abdul Ghani, Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Pulau Pinang
Dr Ilyas Adam Yee, Kementeriaan Kesihatan Malaysia
En. Mark Stephan Felix, AARG, USM.
En. Raymon Tay, PT Foundation, Kuala Lumpur

SIJIL
Sijil penyertaan akan diberikan kepada peserta yang menghadiri bengkel.

PESERTA
1. Kakitangan Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri, Hospital dan Koleh Kejururawatan.
2. Ahli-ahli persatuan sukarela.
3. Ahli-ahli agensi kerajaan.
4. Sesiapa yang berminat dengan isu HIV/AIDS.

BAHASA
Bahasa Inggeris dan Bahasa Melayu akan digunakan di dalam bengkel.

PENGINAPAN
Peserta diharap agar menguruskan sendiri penginapan dan pengangkutan.

YURAN
Pendaftaran adalah sebanyak RM300 setiap peserta. yran pendaftaran boleh dibayar melalui cek, wang pos atau Local Order (LO). Bayaran yuran melalui LO adalah sebanyak RM320.

PENDAFTARAN
Untuk mendafter, sila hubungi:
Urusetia
Workshop on "MSM and HIV/AIDS"
AIDS Action and Research Group (AARG)
School of Social Sciences
Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang

Tel: 04-6533955/6565984
Fax: 04-6565984
Email: aargusm@po.jaring.my or aarg@usm.my

Monday, March 1, 2010

Introduction to AIDS Action & Research Group (AARG) at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang

INTRODUCTION
The HIV/AIDS pandemic is now well recognized as a major social problem in Malaysia. The statistics report over 80,000 cases of HIV infection in Malaysia represents a substantial increase since the first Malaysian case was detected in 1986. The spread of HIV infection has caused concern as well as fear among various sectors of the population. Many people are ignorant/misinformed about the causes of HIV/AIDS, the sources and methods of infection and the way in which HIV is transmitted. Most people also lack the knowledge, skills and techniques needed to deal with people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs).


This lack of knowledge, techniques and management skills in dealing with HIV/AIDS has contributed to the spiraling problems of fear, labeling, stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS. there is an urgent need to promote HIV/AIDS education and prevention techniques to the community. This will correct the misinformation and reduce the fear and ignorance about HIV/AIDS. It will also enable people to actively prevent the spread of HIV infection through effective prevention measures including the practice of safer sex and a healthy lifestyle.

Community commitment and involvement is vital in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The AIDS ACTION & RESEARCH GROUP based in The School of Social Sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia has been established since 1994. Members of AARG consist of academic and non-academic staff who are dedicated to preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and helping those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The group has expertise in various fields of knowledge including Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Counseling, Public Health, Mass Communications, Accounting, Demography, Economics, Law, Criminology, Drug Research and Rehabilitation, Management, Languages, Medicine, Nursing and Industrial Relations.

By engaging in various research, education and training as well as community action activities, this group contributes to the nation's efforts in dealing with the related problems, as indicated in the following objectives:

OBJECTIVES:
1. To give accurate information about HIV/AIDS.
2. To provide educational training in all aspects regarding HIV/AIDS.
3. To cooperate with all parties in reducing HIV/AIDS infections in Malaysia.
4. To act as social activists in fighting stigma and discrimination towards HIV/AIDS.
5. To conduct research on issues concerning the biopsychosocial aspect of HIV/AIDS.

ACTIVITIES
To attain these objectives, AARG is involved in the following activities and services:
1. To organize programs such as workshops, seminars, forums, exhibitions and dialogues about HIV/AIDS.
2. To conduct HIV/AIDS community programs.
3. To assist all parties about social development issues, prevention, preservation and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
4. To provide and alert people about issues related to stigma and discrimination towards HIV/AIDS.
5. To conduct research on HIV/AIDS.
6. To provide HIV/AIDS Hotline telephone counselling services.

Contact Information:
AIDS Action & Research Group
School of Social Sciences
Universiti Sains Malaysia
11800 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: (04) 6533955
Fax: (04) 6565984
Email: aargusm@po.jaring.my
HIV/AIDS Hotline: (04) 6565984 (Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm)


PENGENALAN
HIV/AIDS telah diakui sebagai masalah sosial yang utama pada masa sekarang di Malaysia. Menurut perangkaan, terdapat lebih daripada 80,000 kes jangkitan HIV di negara ini. Ini menunjukkan satu peningkatan yang ketara sejak penyakit ini mula ditemui di Malaysia pada tahun 1986. Kemunculan HIV ini telah menimbulkan perasaan takut dan bimbang di kalangan penduduk. Kebanyakan masyarakat Malaysia tidak mempunyai pengetahuan yang mencukupi tentang HIV/AIDS dan punca bagaimana ia boleh merebak. Kebanyakan penduduk juga kurang pengetahuan, kepakaran dan teknik yang diperlukan untuk berhadapan dan menguruskan orang yang hidup dengan HIV/AIDS (ODHA).

Kejahilan tentang ilmu, teknik dan kemahiran menguruskan HIV/AIDS telah menyebabkan ramai yang berasa takut, mempunyai sikap stigma dan diskriminasi terhadap orang yang hidup dengan HIV/AIDS (ODHA). oleh itu, pendidikan HIV/AIDS penting kepada masyarakat. Pendidikan HIV/AIDS boleh membetulkan masalah salah anggap, penyalahgunaan maklumat, di samping mengurangkan perasaan takut dan kejahilan berhubung dengan HIV/AIDS. Ini juga membolehkan orang ramai turut serta secar aktif dalam usaha mencegah merebaknya HIV/AIDS melalui langkah-langkah pencegahan termasuk mempraktikan amalan-amalan seks yang lebih selamat dan cara hidup yang sihat.

Penyertaan dan penglibatan orang ramai adalah penting dalam usaha memerangi HIV/AIDS. KUMPULAN BERTINDAK DAN PENYELIDIKAN AIDS yang bertempat di Pusat Pengajian Sains Kemasyarakatan, Universiti Sains Malaysia telah ditubuhkan pada tahun 1994. Ahli-ahlinya merangkumi kakitangan akademik yang mempunyai pengalaman dalam pelbagai bidang termasuk Kerja Sosial, Sosiologi, Kesihatan Awam, Kaunseling, Komunikasi, Demografi, Undang-undang, Kriminologi, Perubatan, Kejururawatan dan Perhubungan Industri.

Melalui penyelidikan, pembelajaran dan latihan serta aktiviti tindakan sosial, kumpulan ini memberi sumbangan kepada usaha kerajaan dalam mengawal masalah HIV/AIDS di negara ini. Antata objektifnya adalah seperti berikut:

OBJEKTIF:
1. Memberi maklumat yang betul tentang HIV/AIDS.
2. Menyediakan program-program latihan kepada semua isu yang berkaitan dengan HIV/AIDS.
3. Bekerjasama dengan semua pihak dalam mengurangkan jangkitan HIV/AIDS di Malaysia.
4. Bertindak sebagai aktivis sosial dalam memerangi stigma dan diskriminasi.
5. Menjalankan penyelidikan keatas isu-isu yang berkaitan dengan aspek-aspek biopsikososial tentang HIV/AIDS.

AKTIVITI
Untuk mencapai objektif-objektif di atas, AARG menjalankan aktiviti-aktiviti dan perkhidmatan-perkhidmatan berikut:
1. Menjalankan bengkel, seminar, forum, pameran, ceramah dan diolog tentang HIV/AIDS.
2. Melaksanakan program-program komuniti HIV/AIDS.
3. Membantu semua pihak dalam isu-isu pembangunan sosial, pencegahan, pemulihan dan rawatan terhadap HIV/AIDS.
4. Memberi dan menyedarkan semua pihak tentang isu-isu yang berkaitan dengan stigma dan diskriminasi.
5. Menjalankan penyelidikan tentang HIV/AIDS.
6. Menyediakan HIV/AIDS Hotline.

Sila hubungi:
Kumpulan Bertindak & Penyelidikan AIDS
Pusat Pengajian Sains Kemasyarakatan
Universiti Sains Malaysia
11800 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: (04) 6533955
Fax: (04) 6565984
Email: aargusm@po.jaring.my
HIV/AIDS Hotline: (04) 6565984 (Isnin - Jumaat 10pagi - 4petang)