Business Coalition against Hiv/Aids in the Gambia (BUCAHA) in collaboration with the National Aids Secretariat (NAS) on Thursday 25th June, organized a day sensitization seminar for those in the private sector.

The seminar which was held at the Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi was centred on issues such as voluntary counseling and testing for private sector employees, the need for the private sector's involvement in the campaign against Hiv/Aids and the impact of Hiv/Aids at work places.

Mr. Paul Mendy, the Secretary General of BUCAHA, noted that BUCAHA was formed with a view to help private sector institutions to harness resources in order to create a strong and unified front for policy debates and advocacy for the private sector's efforts against Hiv/Aids at work places and also to provide a platform for the private sector so as to address stigma and discrimination at the work place.

Mendy called on all private sector organizations that are yet to reregister with his organization to come on board and join them in the fight against Hiv/Aids. He emphasized that fighting Hiv/Aids is not a competition, but a collaborative responsibility.

Mr. Nuha Ceesay of UNAIDS emphasized that the challenges of Hiv/Aids remains a major concern to the whole world. He further emphasized that the mandates of UNAIDS are to help in organizing the response to Hiv/Aids both at regional and global level. He also said his organization promotes the national strategy framework for Hiv/Aids implementation.