Acceleration of health information literacy a webinar held

An international webinar entitled “Acceleration of health information literacy: preparing multi-lingual covid-19 contents for South Asia region” was held virtually on December 18, 2021. The program was jointly organized by the Association of Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T) South Asia Chapter and the Department of Information Science and Library Management, University of Dhaka.

Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman, Vice-Chancellor, University of Dhaka, remained present as Chief Guest. Professor Dr. Md. Nasiruddin Munshi, Department of Information Science and Library Management & Librarian (In-Charge) of Dhaka University Library, was present as Special Guest.

The keynote paper was presented by Dr. Samuel K. W. Chu, Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong. Dr. Bhakti Gala, Assistant Professor, Central University of Gujarat, India, delivered the welcome speech at the beginning of the program.

Professor Dr. S.M.Zabed Ahmed, Department of Information Science and Library Management (ISLM), DU, Professor Dr. Md. Saiful Islam, Chairman of ISLM Department, DU, Dr. Dilara Begum, Chairman, Department of Information Studies and Library Management, East-West University, A.K.M. Eamin Ali Akanda, Chairman of ISLM Department, RU and Razina Alam, Head of Library, Bangladesh Shishu Academy discussed on the keynote topic as panellists.

The webinar highlighted how the professionals could accelerate health information literacy for the South Asia region. Under the project ‘Dealing with COVID-19 and saving people’s lives in South Asia (SA) areas and beyond – A health informatics promotion project’ ASIS&T SA Chapter created a YouTube channel titled ‘ASIS&T South Asia Chapter’ where videos are available in five languages mainly Bangla, English, Hindi, Urdu, and Sinhalese. The chapter will arrange an international Digital Story Writing Competition for primary and secondary students worldwide on the COVID-19 theme.

Prodip K Roy, the Editor-in-Chief of The Librarian Times, conveyed the closing remarks. He said, as part of the ASIS&T, South Asia Chapter collaboration and engagement commitments, arranging this webinar session is a timely issue. “We came to know about the chapter activities, including establishing a YouTube Channel that helps the people of this region know about the myth and act as Mythbusters” he added.

Md. Anwarul Islam, Associate Professor, University of Dhaka, Advisor, ASIS&T SA Chapter, and project member conducted the program as moderator.