World AIDS Day 2016 activities

Yangon November 30

The World AIDS Day is commemorated on 1 December each year to show support for people living with HIV and affected communities. The UNAIDS country office, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Sports, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, networks and communities aim to support Myanmar in reaching its goal of ending the HIV epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.

For this year, the World AIDS Day theme will be “Hands Up for #HIVPrevention” and would centre on the ways to prevent HIV transmission such as getting tested, using condoms and avoiding sharing of needles. In order to raise public awareness about HIV prevention measures, several activities were organized in Yangon to be held on 3 December (Saturday).

In the morning, there will be a walkathon at Kandawgyi Lake starting at 6:00 AM with the Bahan Third Street/Western Park Royal Gate as the starting point. More than the usual walkathon, however, this year’s walk around Kandawgyi Lake would include information stops where participants will be requested to do quick activities that aim to inform them about HIV prevention measures.

In the afternoon, starting 3:00 PM, there will be a photo exhibit at Junction Square where winning photos from the photo competition will be displayed. Booths of different organizations will also be set up. From 5:00 PM onwards, opening speeches will be provided and different vocalists and groups will perform to both entertain and provide relevant information to the crowd. A quiz show will also be conducted for participants.

The Myawady Daily