November 20: A five day consultative workshop on stigma and discrimination reduction of HIV/AIDS using Buddhist approach began yesterday in the capital.

During the next five days the principals of the shedras will try to understand HIV/AIDS and its impact on the socio economic development and the community.

The project coordinator of the religion and health project said the workshop is meant to highlight the roles that religious body can play in helping the people living with HIV/AIDS.

The resource person of the workshop said the monk body in Bhutan has an important role to play not only in reducing stigma and discrimination but also the sufferings brought upon by HIV/AIDS.

The participants will also develop a training manual for the training of the trainers. The manual will be based on a book written by Lawerence Maund, the resource person of the workshop.

The principals will debate and discuss how suitable the book will be in Bhutanese context.

The director of the Dratsang lhentshog said it is important to keep in mind the Bhutanese perspective and tradition while translating the book.

About 20 participants from across the country are taking part in the workshop.

Representative of the UNICEF and health ministry were also present in the opening ceremony.