The HIV/AIDS epidemic has been a universal issue for decades, and the severe effects of the outbreak have drastically altered the lives of individuals, children and families. Most significantly affected are the two million children living with HIV/AIDS in underdeveloped nations – a population that has been repeatedly neglected from a global standpoint.

Global health series launched

To address this growing concern, the SDSU Graduate School of Public Health will host a series of global health seminars beginning Thursday, Oct. 29. Maryam Farzanegan, a child rights advisor and health specialist who has worked for the United Nation’s Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for more than 17 years, will open the seminar.

In her keynote address, titled “Caring for Children Affected by HIV/AIDS,” Farzanegan will advise and guide the seminar audience on the best approach to improve conditions for HIV positive children. She will highlight her own accounts and experiences from working with UNICEF in vulnerable populations, including Sierra Leone and Uttar Pradesh, India.  

About Farzanegan

Currently working on her book, “Children on the Margins: Providing Essential Services for the World’s Poorest and Most Vulnerable Children,” Farzanegan has been responsible for developing and implementing UNICEF policies and program developments for global health initiatives.

An expert panel discussion follows Farzanegan’s presentation. It includes professors from SDSU and UCSD.  SDSU professor Tom Novotny will lead the panel discussion and the question-and-answer portion from the audience.

The seminar will be held from 4 - 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29, in room 130 of Hepner Hall.  All students and faculty are encouraged to attend. This event is free and open to the public.