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	azmzahid
	Abu Zaffar Muhammad Zahidur Rahman


Title and Organization:		Advocacy Adviser,, UNAIDS Bangladesh, IDB Bhaban (8th floor), E/8-A, Begum Rokeya Sharani, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
Gender and Age:		Male, 46
Location:		Dhaka
Country of Residence:		Bangladesh
Languages:		English



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About Me

Education

Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management
Bangladesh Institute of Management in 2000.
Class Obtained – First Class.

MBBS
Dhaka Medical College in 1987.

Higher Secondary Certificate Examination
Momenshahi Cadet College under Dhaka board in 1980. First Division.

Secondary School Certificate Examination
Momenshahi Cadet College under Dhaka Board in 1978. First Division. Placed 16th in combined merit list.

*Undergoing MPH course conducted by Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies of Philippines through their Distant Learning Center at Dhaka.

Hold 16th place in the combined merit list in Dhaka Board.
Professional Experience:

03.04.05 till date
Advocacy Adviser
UNAIDS, Bangladesh

This position is responsible to support the UN Theme Group (UNTG) on HIV/AIDS – under the guidance and supervision of UNAIDS Country Coordinator - to plan, execute, monitor and evaluate advocacy and media strategies to promote and strengthen multi-sectoral leadership response to HIV/AIDS. He has to advise the UNTG on effective use of mass communication tools including press briefings and conferences and media interviews to achieve the objectives of HIV/AIDS advocacy programme for political and civil society leadership. He has to work closely with National AIDS/STD Program to facilitate and support the initiatives to establish and strengthen multi- sectoral national partnership among different stakeholders. He also facilitates to organize special HIV/AIDS advocacy and multi-sectoral leadership strengthening events and activities. He assists to compile and disseminate relevant materials in support of national HIV/AIDS advocacy programme targeting Government, non-government. Political, private sector, civil society leaders and high-risk group populations along with PLHA. He has to work with the Working group on Advocacy, Policy and Legal aspects and the UN Agencies’ Focal points on HIV/AIDS. As the member of the executive committee of Public Health Association of Bangladesh he has the opportunity to involve in different national policy process.

Advocacy Adviser also acts as the focal point for the Asia Pacific Leadership Forum (APLF) and operates within the framework of UNTG supported and ongoing initiatives on advocacy relating to HIV/AIDS.

01.09.04 to 31.03.05
Head, HIV/AIDS Prevention
Social Marketing Company, Bangladesh

This position is responsible to lead the HIV/AIDS Prevention related activities of the institution. He has to formulate the strategy and activities in line with global, regional and national perspective. Working closely with GOB, Civil society and different development partners he has to do the advocacy to highlight the existing and emerging issues in the field of HIV/AIDS Prevention. He has to also liaise with partner NGOs, Central and local level policy makers, and Community leaders to create an enabling environment for effective implementation of the program activities. As a part of the regular program, he is involved in national and local level advocacy and arranges advocacy meetings for social mobilization at different divisional and district levels throughout the country along with community support meetings with different communities.

As the focal person of the USAID funded nation wide multi-media campaign for HIV/AIDS prevention and positioning as well as social marketing of Condom for HIV/AIDS, he has to work closely with relevant departments of GOB, overseas consultants, donor agencies, advertising agencies, different media, high-risk population, local level leaders, professional organizations and has to act proactively as an advocate of relevant initiatives. The three-prong campaign had advocacy component for policy makers and influentials as well as general population, behavior change communication component for high-risk population and special training and marketing activities to turn small kiosk owners –from non-seller to proactive sellers of condom.

As a member of different professional body he is actively involved in different activities on national policy and strategy formulation and updating. He also as an advocate and facilitates different activities of Bangladesh Parliament Member’s Support Group (BPMSG) on Prevention of HIV/AIDS and Human Trafficking.

01.06.02 to 31.08.04
Manager, Non-Hormonal Contraceptives and STD/AIDS Prevention

This position is responsible for planning, organizing and implementing all program related activities for the STD/AIDS prevention program. He works closely with the Area and Regional offices and provides support to the field staff of STD/AIDS prevention program. He has to develop behavior change communication plan, provide inputs in the development and use of different BCC materials, formulate and implement advocacy programs at national and local levels, analyze condom positioning strategy, and utilize different media including mass media and other media to prevent STD/AIDS. He has to work with advertising agencies to conceptualize, develop and implement advertising and BCC campaign to increase awareness among the people and positive behavior change. He has to liaise with development partners, BCC Unit and other relevant departments of GOB as well as with other NGOs in sharing experiences, identify new initiatives and in formulation of strategy. He is involved in national and local level advocacy and arranges advocacy meetings at national and different divisional and district level throughout the country and community support meetings with different communities. Monitoring and evaluation of the program activities was a routine part of his job.

As the focal person of the previously mentioned part of nation –wide mass media campaign on HIV/AIDS Prevention he has to coordinate the extensive press and electronic advocacy campaign for the tertiary group comprising policy makers, civil societies and influentials to create an enabling environment as well as BCC campaign for high –risk population group and training and promotional activities for social marketing of condom.

At the same time this position has the responsibility of brand management and promotion of current three brands of condom marketed by SMC, which accounts for 70% of national supply - namely Raja, Panther and Sensation.

22.05.00 to 31.05.02
Manager, STD/AIDS Prevention Program
Social Marketing Company (SMC), Bangladesh.

This position has the responsibility for overall activities of the STD/AIDS Prevention Program of SMC known as “SHUROCKKHA”. This program has been continuing since 1995 with the goal to reduce the transmission of HIV and other STDs among population groups at increased risk of STD/HIV infection in Bangladesh. The Manager has to supervise, coordinate, monitor and evaluate progress of the programs operating through 18 program offices at different sites of the country. He has to identify and solve programmatic issues, prepare annual plan and budget. He formulates BCC planning and provides inputs in the development and use of different BCC materials. He also designs the advocacy strategy to make enabling environment for HIV/AIDS prevention. He has to contribute significantly in formulation of corporate standards and development of strategic and operational plans. He keeps liaison with government and different local, national and international agencies on STD/ AIDS Prevention issues. As the manager of a program having activities at different parts of the country he has to proactively involve in social mobilizing activities at different level to create an enabling environment to fight against HIV/AIDS.

09.05.99 to 21.05.00
Manager, Health Providers Training Program
Social Marketing Company (SMC)

SMC has been operating Health Providers Training Program since 1986 with the objective to bring about qualitative behavioral change among pharmacists and other non-graduate Health Providers and at the same time to equip them with appropriate knowledge on STD/AIDS, Family Planning, Oral rehydration therapy, communication skill and counseling as they serve as the primary source of information for the community members. Manager is responsible for the effectiveness of the program by ensuring and enhancing the quality of the program through periodic assessment and development of curricula. He has to monitor and evaluate the program to identify and solve programmatic issues, prepare annual plan and budget. He has to contribute significantly in formulation of corporate standards and development of strategic and operational plans. He is also responsible for networking and collaborating with GOB, NGOs and other partners in health training area as well as has to mobilize local authority and community influentials to become supportive about the program activities.

01.09.97 to 06.05.99
Acting Program Manager, Grameen Health Program, Grameen Kalyan, Grameen Bank

Grameen Health Program was initiated by Grameen Bank in 1993 with the objective to provide effective and quality primary health care and to promote the community based health care programs with effective involvement of people. Program Manager is responsible for overall activities of the health program. He has to supervise, monitor and evaluate progress of health centers and sub-centers; develop informational materials and prepare project proposal along with annual budget. He has to keep liaison with government, national, local and international agencies on different health issues. As a representative from Grameen Bank Family he has to participate in high-level policy meetings of the GOB and provide input on relevant issues and has to play an advocacy role on national policy and strategy. As the program was dispersed in rural areas, he has to work with local leaders to mobilize them to be proactive on health related activities and tried different approaches to aware the rural people on HIV/AIDS along with different other health issues through health insurance strategy with the background of micro credit activities carried on by Grameen Bank.

01.06.97 to 31.08.97
Deputy Manager, Grameen Health Program
Grameen Kalyan, Grameen Bank

Deputy Manager is responsible to assist in planning, development and implementation of the Health Program. He has to supervise and provide technical assistance to rural health centers and ensure efficient functioning of the Health Program through administering, monitoring and evaluating programs. He is also responsible for conducting staff workshops, training organization, making correspondences with other NGOs and Government institutions and mobilizing people and local leaders to create positive environment on different health and social issues.

01.06.94 to 31.10.96
Senior Medical Officer, Naj Clinic.

Responsibilities includes supervision of in and out patient management, duty doctors, nurses and other
ancillary staffs, OT management, liaison with different consultants, recruitment of doctors, nurses &
other staffs.

14.11.90 to 19.02.93
Medical Officer
Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Islamic Republic of Iran.

a)From November ’90 to October ’91 worked in district level General hospital. Responsibilities were indoor, outdoor and emergency patient management. During emergency duty, had to look after the overall hospital management.

b)From November ’91 to February ’93 worked in a 24 hour open health center. Responsibilities were to coordinate the function of sub-centers placed in different areas under the health center. Had to supervise different public health interest and EPI Program.

27.12.88 to 29.10.90
Medical Officer, Sramajibi Hospital, Dhaka City Corporation.

Responsibilities were indoors, outdoor as well as emergency patient management. During emergency period, had to look after the general administration and overall hospital management. Also coordinated the EPI Program.

05.05.88 to 26.12.88
Medical Officer, Samorita Hospital, Dhaka.
Responsibilities were indoor, outdoor as well as emergency patient management under direct supervision of respective consultants.

03.05.87 to 02.05.88
Medical Officer (Internship), Dhaka Medical college Hospital.
Received extensive clinical and practical training in Medicine & Community Medicine, Family Planning, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Casualty Surgery under direct supervision of leading Professors of the country. The appointment was whole time and residential.

Training Received (In- country and overseas):

 Completed the workshop: “Analysis and Advocacy Training” from May 2-6, 2005 at Bangkok, Thailand, organized by Policy Project, Future Group.

 Participated in “Regional Strategic Planning and Budgeting Training for Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS Sectors” from May 3-7, 2004 at Hanoi, Vietnam, organized by Policy Project, Vietnam and Hanoi school of Public Health.

 Training on Strategic Marketing from September 22 to 26, 2003 from Administrative Staff College of India, Hydrabad.

 Participated in orientation course on “Budget and Budgetary control” from September 23 to October 04, 2001 organized by Bangladesh Institute of Management.

 Attended a workshop on “Communication for Behavior Change” organized by Family Health International, Dec 5-7, 2000 at Dhaka.

 Attended a workshop on "Effective Communication and Time Management" from Oct 22 to Oct 23, 1999 at Dhaka, organized by MRK Consultants at Dhaka.

 Participated in a two weeks (01.12.96-14.12.96) orientation course in Pediatrics in Bangladesh Institute of Child Health.

 From 17.05.93 to 16.05.94 underwent post-graduate training in pediatrics in Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital. This 305-bedded hospital is attached to Bangladesh Institute of Child Health imparting post-graduate education in pediatrics.

 Attended a one week (17-22 March, ’90) refresher course for doctor’s on Mother and Child Health Care and Family Planning” conducted by Radda Barnen (Swedish Save the Children), Dhaka.

International Conferences / Networks:

 Attended 15th International AIDS Conference at Bangkok, Thailand, July 11- 16, 2004.

 Attended Asia-Pacific Alternative Community Forum 2004: Towards Community Access, hosted by the coalition of Asia Pacific Regional Networks on HIV/AIDS at Bangkok, Thailand from 12-14 January, 2004

 Attended 14th International AIDS Conference at Barcelona, Spain. July 07- 12, 2002.

 Attended 13th International AIDS Conference at Durban, South Africa. July 8-14, 2000.

 Attended the network meeting and sharing of experience on Primary Health Care and Health Care Financing and Organization in The Philippines. January 17-25, 1998.

Workshops / Seminars Attended:

July 18-20, 2005:
Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) Strategy Development Workshop, jointly organized by MOHFW, WHO, UNFPA and UNICEF.

June 23 & 26, 2005:
Participated in two orientation sessions for Parliament Members on “HIV/AIDS Situation in Bangladesh: The Role of Parliamentarians” – organized by Bangladesh Parliament Members’ Support Group (BPMSG) on prevention of HIV/AIDS and Human Trafficking.

December 21, 2004:
Participated as a discussant of the technical session on “HIV/AIDS and Gender” at “In Country Symposium on ICPD+10 & Bangladesh: Progress and Challenges” organized by The Department of Population Sciences, University of Dhaka, in cooperation with UNFPA.

December 18, 2004:
Acted as a facilititator in a “Media Advocacy on HIV/ AIDS”, organized by SWOP, PAPA and BMSF.

December 02, 2004:
Resource person at an advocacy meeting for HIV positive people with the Bangladesh Parliament Member’s Support Group (BPMSG) on Prevention of HIV/AIDS and Human Trafficking.

November 30, 2004:
Participated as a speaker at a program to mark the world AIDS DAY, organized by “Bangladesh Parliament Member’s Support Group (BPMSG) on Prevention of HIV/AIDS and Human Trafficking”.

December 8, 2003:
Workshop for development of a communication strategy under HIV/AIDS Prevention Project (HAPP) organized by UNICEF.

September 8-10, 2003:
Workshop on “Advocacy on the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS (UNGASS) declaration and commitment” jointly organized by ‘Asia Pacific Council of AIDS Services Organization (APCASO)’ and STI/AIDS Network of Bangladesh.

April 21, 2003:
Consultation on ICPD+10 Bangladesh Report, Jointly organized by MOHFW, Khan Foundation and UNFPA.

October 13-17, 2002:
Design workshop to produce two magazine programs for television and radio on Adolescent Reproductive Health.

Jan 27, 2002:
Resource person at the Doctor’s workshop of Marie Stopes Clinic Society for a presentation on
“Female Condom and its prospect in Bangladesh.”
Jan 14-16,2002:
Integrated Work-planning Workshop on HIV/AIDS, jointly organized by MOHFW and UNAIDS.

Nov 22, 2001:
Dissemination Seminar of the findings of the National Sentinel Surveillance for HIV, 2000-2001.

July 31,2000:
Resource Person at the workshop on “ Conduct Surveys to Asses Condom Availability at the Central and Field level and development of a comprehensive condom Promotion Strategy-2000” organized by Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR).

July 2-3, 2000:
Workshop on “HIV Surveillances: Issues and Implication” jointly organized by Government of Bangladesh, ICDDR,B, UNAIDS and UNDP.

May 22, 2000:
Meeting on RTI/STD organized by AVSC International and Quality Improvement Partnership of NIPHP.

May 8-9, 2000:
Workshop on “Protecting the Right to informed choice in service delivery”, Organized by AVSC International.

Nov 25-27,1999:
Workshop on “ Thompson Total Branding” organized by Asiatic Marketing Communications Ltd, The JWT Company in Bangladesh.

Nov 17,1999:
Workshop to review the IEC materials on Reproductive Health, jointly organized by Behavioral Change Communication Unit of Government of Bangladesh and Voluntary Health Services Society.

May 9-10, 1999:
National workshop on “Maximizing Access and Quality : Reducing Medical Barriers” jointly organized by the Directorate of Family Planning and AVSC International/Quality Improvement Partnership.

Nov 28, 1998:
Presented a paper on “Drug Addiction : Bangladesh Context ” (in Bangla) at a seminar jointly organized by Lions Club and Community Development Library (CDL).

Mar 23-24,1998:
National Seminar on “ Lesson to be learnt from Research Findings in Bangladesh, jointly organized by The National Institute of Population Research and Training (NIPORT) and The Integrated Community Family Health Development Programme.

Dec 13-15,1997:
Workshop on “ Women’s Health in the Community : Operationalizing the Cairo and Beijing Plan of Action in Bangladesh” organized jointly by BRAC and Dept of Population and International Health, Harvard School of Public Health.

Nov 17-19,1997:
Board Meeting of Partners in Population and development a South – South Initiative.
Studies Coordinated:

 Principal Investigator of the study “The Impact of female condom introduction among brothel-based Sex workers in Bangladesh: An Analysis of Trends in condom use”. Done with the technical assistance form Family Health International, North Carolina. 2001-2002

 Study on “Knowledge on AIDS Transmission and Prevention Among The Adolescents and Youths” – in 2002

 KAP study on HIV/AIDS among Retailers in 2002.

 A study on “Knowledge, Attitude and Opinions Among Key Influential in Bangladesh to guide HIV/ AIDS Advocacy Strategy” in 2002.

 Condom Promotion Study for STD/AIDS Prevention Market (SMC's Disease Prevention Marketing campaign) in 2002

 HIV/AIDS and Condom Use Knowledge Attitude and Practice Survey; carried out in 2000.

 Follow – up KAP Study on Family Planning & Oral Rehydration Therapy amongst Health Providers (Pharmacists, Palli Chikitshaks and Rural Medical Practitioners ); carried out in 1999 and in 2002.

 Post test of the HIV/AIDS mass media campaign elements prepared for primary target group, carried out in 2004

Papers:

1. “Telephone Counseling program on STDs/HIV/AIDS and sexual Health: experience of Social Marketing Company in Bangladesh” – Abstract selected for 14th International AIDS Conference at Barcelona, Spain in 2002.

2. “Use of Condom by High Risk Group People – Analysis of findings in consecutive surveys of Social Marketing Company”- presented in National AIDS Conference by HIV/AIDS Network, Bangladesh in 2002.

3. “Comparison of Single-dose Oral Azithromycin with Azithromycin and Cefixime for treatment of uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis” – Abstract selected for 15th International AIDS Conference to be held at Bangkok in July 2004.

4. “Etiology of urethral discharge in men attending an STD Clinic, in Dhaka, Bangladesh” - Abstract selected for 15th International AIDS Conference to be held at Bangkok in July 2004.

Other Activities:

1. Worked as an Evaluation Consultant for UNDP in 2001 for project areas Narayanganj, Tongi and Daulatdia under the project BGD/ 97/301. Acted as a member of two-member evaluation findings presentation team on behalf of the Evaluation Consultants at debriefing meeting of the evaluation report of 21 NGOs, funded by UNDP - at the Ministry of Health and family welfare.
Also worked as a National Consultant to evaluate the projects under Multisectoral HIV/AIDS Prevention Program funded by UNDP in 2002.

2. Member of the Editorial Board of the “HIV/AIDS Manual” of NIPHP.

3. Member of the Adolescent Reproductive Health Working Group. Actively participated in the development process of different communication materials for youth and adolescents.

4. Acted as a member of Family Planning, STD, RTI & HIV/AIDS Task force of QIP of NIPHP.

5. Acted as a member of sectoral technical committee on National Plan of Action for Children In 1997.

6. Acted as a member of Task force 8: Community and Stakeholder participation into the preparation of HAPP –5 in 1997.

7. Acted as the focal person of the Condom Promotion campaign under “Shurockkha”- the STD/AIDS prevention program of social marketing company. It was a three-prong multimedia campaign through electronic, print and outdoor media as well as interpersonal communications, targeting Tertiary, Secondary and Primary group. The components of the campaign comprises of advocacy among the tertiary group, condom promotion for HIV/AIDS prevention among retailers and end users and behavior change communication among high-risk behavior population.

8. Conceptualized and edited a rhyme book on STD/AIDS prevention composed by the school students.

Professional body membership:

1. Member of Bangladesh Medical Association.
2. Executive Committee member of Public Health Association of Bangladesh.
3. Ex-Treasurer, STI/AIDS Network of Bangladesh.

Club Membership:

1. Rotary Club
2. Cadet College club.

Personal Details:
Father’s Name : Late Md. Hasibur Rahman
Date of Birth : August 15, 1962.
Nationality : Bangladeshi.
Marital Status : Married.
Spouse : Kazi Shaela Akhter
Assistant Professor,
Lalmatia Girls’ College,
Dhaka.

Abu Zaffar Muhammad Zahidur Rahman
Advocacy Advisor
UNAIDS Bangladesh
IDB Bhaban (8th floor)
E/8-A, Begum Rokeya Sharani
Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka 1207
Bangladesh
Ph: + 88 02 8124051
Cell +88011025026
Email: rahmanfam@dhaka.net,
zahidur.rahman@undp.org

Countries Visited

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