CALL ON ULAMA, IMAMS TO ENHANCE HIV/AIDS AWARENESS

KOTA BAHARU (Malaysia), July 6 (Bernama) -- The ulama and imams could help
enhance awareness of the transmission of HIV/AIDS as their voice are heard by
all levels of society, said Malaysian AIDS Council deputy president Zaman Khan.

He said the ulama (religious scholars) and imams could impart information on
the scourge of HIV/AIDS in religious lessons, sermons and ceramah (talks) not
only in the mosques but also at public forums.

"The ulama and imams could become a conduit in the society in the fight to
reduce HIV/AIDS infections in the country.

"Their role could be more effective than that of government agencies or
non-government organisations (NGO) as they hold a special place in the heart of
the society," he told reporters after officiating the World AIDS Day here
Sunday.

Urging the ulama and imams to support the campaign, he said they should keep
abreast with the HIV/AIDS and social ills situations in the society to enable
them to play an effective role.
-- BERNAMA