Assalamu'alaikum,
HIV comes in uninvited, to assail the lives and dignity of people all over the world. The medical field is alarmed and threatened. But that is not all. Our social life, economy and culture are also affected. More development, cooperation and social and political stability are also threatened.
Fortunately, we have learned quickly from this crisis. We have learned from the calamity in Africa , the continent worst affected by HIV. We have also quickly become aware that our youth are our nation's most valuable asset. We are also grateful to the government for giving us the opportunity to meet the challenge of eradicating HIV through PROSTAR.
What is the point of living in this world if we do not give meaning to life itself? Can we just stand by and not do anything and allow HIV to spread?
I am very proud of the fact that, since its formation on 30 June 1997 , PROSTAR has achieved success after success. At this time PROSTAR has 95 registered branches throughout the country. 22 more branches are in the process of being registered. At the same time, a network of 716 PROSTAR clubs in schools has been set up to spur on the efforts of dealing with AIDS in secondary schools and institutions of higher learning in this country.
So far, PROSTAR has trained more than 50,000 youth in the understanding of AIDS and AIDS-related issues, as well as in communication skills and in planning activities to deal with AIDS. Through the efforts of PROSTAR members, more than 700,000 youth all over the country have been exposed to information about AIDS and AIDS-related issues.
I hope that more youth will join PROSTAR so that together we can strive on as worthy and loyal citizens to eradicate AIDS and to enable Malaysians to be an example to the world.
Thank you. Wassalam
Dr. Abdul Rasid bin Kasri
President
PROSTAR Club Malaysia
2002 - 2004
