The fifth national PROSTAR convention was held from 10 th to 12 th September 2001,in Alor Setar, Kedah Darulaman.

The PROSTAR convention is held every year to recognize club members who contributed towards disseminating information on HIV/AIDS to the youth and to the public in general. In 2001, the state of Kedah was selected to host the fifth national PROSTAR convention held at the Sentosa Regency Hotel, Alor Setar, Kedah Darulaman, from 10 th to 12 th September. It was officiated by the Malaysian Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, Y. Bhg. Datuk Alias bin Ali. The Community Night and the presentation of awards and certificates by Y.A.B. Dato' Seri Syed Razak bin Syed Zain, the Menteri Besar of Kedah Darulaman took place on 11 th September 2001. About 400 PROSTARians and 300 observers from all over the country participated in this convention.

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

To provide an opportunity to PROSTAR members to gather and commune so that meaningful discussions and exchange of ideas can take place for strengthening the PROSTAR program.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

• To provide an opportunity to PROSTAR members to discuss the roles and activities in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.

• To provide an opportunity to PROSTAR members to discuss the role of the youth in caring for and supporting HIV and AIDS victims.

• To discuss the steps taken by the youth to reduce the stigma of AIDS and discrimination against HIV and AIDS victims.

• To expose the youth to issues related to the risk-reducing measures of HIV/AIDS, which include the use of condoms and the safe use of syringes.

ACTIVITIES

During this convention, various activities were carried out. These activities included an orientation event, the launch of Kedah’s PROSTAR home page, a shadow play, the presentation of the PROSTAR Club and PROSTAR Role Model awards, an experience-sharing competition between clubs from all over the country, an oratory competition, a plenary session, a concurrent session, workshops, variety games and an exhibition show.