As part of the ongoing 2009 Trade fair currently underway at the Independence Stadium in Bakau; the Business Coalition against HIV/AIDS the Gambia (BUCAHA), last Tuesday held a forum on the theme 'My Day of BusinessÂ'.

The forum was part of the association's aim to create awareness and as well sensitise the general public about HIV/AIDS pandemic. The sensitisation campaigned which brought together individuals from all works of lives, also seeks to sensitise the public about the scourge of HIV/AIDS in the country.

Established in 2007 as a registered organisation, BUCAHA, in the recent years has taken the lead in creating more awareness on the pandemic. Among its objectives is to develop and implement policies and programs for the management of Aids/Aids in line with the national Strategic Plan. It also seeks to raise funds both locally and from international donors for the implementation of the objectives of the business coalition.

Speaking at the ceremony, Julius Freeman, the president of the association, disclosed that HIV/AIDS undermined the economic development of any nation. According to him, it affects all sectors of the economy adding that his association since in 2006 has been in the forefront creating more awareness about the pandemic. Freeman, then called on the private sector organisation to join the coalition in their drive to combat the scourge of the HIV/AIDS in society. The private sector, he said, is the engine of growth, adding that his organisation will continue to sensitise the private sector in realising their goals.

Mam Cherno Jallow, the president of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), said GCCI plays a crucial role in the formation of the BUCAHA, noting that society has a big role to play in the crusade against HIV/AIDS. The pandemic Jallow observed, affects the most vulnerable sector in a company-human resources- adding that creating a better understanding of the disease is indeed a move in the right direction. Â"We are happy for the fact that, the association with the collaboration of Jabot Lab, organise Voluntary Counselling Testing, (VCT) free of charge during the course of the trade FairÂ", he said.

For is part, Pa Malick Ceesay, a youth activists thanked BUCAHA for organising such a forum. According to him, the fight against HIV/AIDS is a collective responsibility of all, noting that youths play an important role in the fight against the disease, as they are the most vulnerable group. Other speakers at the ceremony included Momodou Sey, who delivered the welcome address.