who has been trained to provide educational talks on HIV and AIDS.

Bandar Seri Begawan - Standard Chartered Bank recently conducted a peer education session for staff who have yet to attend its HIV education sessions over the past two years as well as new employees.

The training session, which involved over 20 staff members, was facilitated by the bank's HIV champion and CB Programme Manager, Marilyn Graeme, who has been trained to provide educational talks on HIV and AIDS.

The educational programme was held at the bank's Learning and Talent Development Centre in Bunut. During the session, staff learned the difference between HIV and AIDS and preventive measures through activities and thought provoking discussions. The training programme allows staff to be fully aware of just how widespread HIV and AIDS is in other parts of the world.

"This training session definitely helped raise my awareness on HIV and AIDS. It also opened my eyes to the reality of it and the fact that Brunei is not sheltered from this as we do have individuals who are victims of the disease. At standard chartered, we believe that education is the key to prevention and the bank truly makes the effort to ensure that the myths about HIV and AIDS are dispelled through our 'Living with HIV' programme", stated Corporate Affairs Manager, Anisah Alkaff.

Staff participated in role-playing activities to provide them with a better understanding of the disease. Through one of the many role-plays, staff were given real life scenarios to read out. They were then asked to evaluate the likelihood of contracting an infection. The activities also encouraged staff to interact with one another through additional discussions on any questions or concerns raised during the session.

SCB offers these education tools and the expertise of HIV champions free of charge to partner companies wishing to implement HIV education programmes within their own organisations. Major global organisations such as AIESEC, Virgin Group and Crown Worldwide have participated in sessions overseas, while a few local companies in Brunei have also expressed interest in the past.

Companies that are interested in the programme can contact Brunei's lead HIV champion, Tan Lee Ngee, at 236 6058.

Over the past 25 years, over 30 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

There are currently more than 33 million people living with the HIV virus and there are 6,800 new infections daily. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin