What happened on World AIDS Day

04 Dec 2006 – 11:55 (modified on 18 Dec 2006 – 14:31)

by mlepeska

Below you follow up information about World AIDS Day Events that happened all over the world. If you want to send us information about your event, please email us at [email protected].

Cameroon

Limbe

The women in the military took the lead in a march in Limbe, Cameroon on World AIDS Day 2006

1,200 delegates turn out for the Women's conference on HIV/AIDS in Cameroon, November 28 - December 1st, 2006. The Government of Cameroon, National and International NGOs, Diplomatic missions, UN systems and over 500 rural women all made a mark during the conference. Civil society set ambitious targets and set time frames to realize them. Over 3000 persons joined the conference participants to commemorate the world AIDS day in a two hours march round town in Limbe.

There was a renewed show of unity and solidarity from persons from all over the country with support from organizations and persons from other countries. A good number of delegates came from other countries and expressed deep commitment to this renewed commitment.

Estonia

The Ambassador of the US in Estonia presented a mini-van to Estonian Network of PLWH.

On November 30th the US Ambassador in Estonia Dr. Oldona Yos handed over a mini-van to the Estonian Network of PLWH. Among numerous events, which took place in Estonia this event stands out by its ceremonial atmosphere. Dr. Yos noted that this gift was handed over to the Network with a great pleasure because she understood the importance of the problem and expressed her hope that this contribution would slightly improve quality of life of people living with HIV”.

India

Dharamshala, District Kangra

Chief guest, Chief of Staff Staff 9Corps Maj Gen GS Grewal VSM** with DDMS Brig BLT Joseph

The District level function of AIDS Control Society- World AIDS Day 2006 was held at Dhauladhar Auditorium Yol Cantt. The Chief Guest was Chief of Staff 9 Corps (Core) Maj Gen GS Grewal VSM** was the chief guest. The World AIDS Day events aimed at raising the awareness of HIV/ AIDS among the general population, youth and students, and dissemination of the message through media for wider diffusion to a secondary audience. As a commitment to public health a priority, we kept the venue at Yol cantonment; and a target audience of army personnel and their families, youth and students & blood donors. All were wearing a red ribbon as a sign of commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Nigera

Yaba, Ondo State

Youth Accord Movement created awareness about AIDS at a campaign rally at the University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State and this celebration was supported and attended by both the Representatives of The School Management, The Students Union Government and students.
During the celebration, World AIDS Day action packs were used, and Staying Alive made available a film on AIDS titled “Transit” and as well as packs of condoms which were given to students free of charge.

Phillipines

Malaybalay

The event was organized by ASTERISK Events and Communications and the Bukidnon State College School of Education Student Body Organization.

Spain

Salou

Secondary school students in Tarragona, Spain

Students at a secondary school in Salou, Spain dressed in red for World AIDS Day and created a mural to inform people about the prevention of AIDS.

South Africa

Capetown

World AIDS Day Cricket Match: South Africa vs. India

On World AIDS Day during a Cricket Match held in South Africa, between South Africa and India, "Keep the Promise" public service annoucements were broadcast on the scoreboards.

Capetown

MADaboutART Rainbow gives hope at Iziko SA National Gallery on World AIDS Day

An extra dimension was added to the gallery’s World AIDS Day events with the involvement the children of MADaboutART from Nekkies Township outside Knysna who constructed a "Rainbow of Hope" outside the Gallery and participated in the exhibition’s opening events as well as sharing their experiences. The personal journey of HIV unfolds in the Rainbow of Hope from the point of diagnosis through the pain onward to acceptance and treatment and vitality. It is a story of taking back the control which HIV takes away and learning to build a future. The 18 panels were made by the children from Nekkies, where the level of HIV is officially 25%. These children attend after schools MAD (Make A Difference) clubs in which they work together in understanding and fighting HIV and AIDS through art and education. Using film, photography, drama and art, they work to get their community talking about HIV, breaking the silence that powers the disease. Visit the Rainbow, read the stories and step into the shoes of those living with HIV by visiting the website: http://www.madaboutart.org or e-mail

Knysna

On World AIDS Day, young people from MADaboutART’s HIV and youth empowerment programme in Nekkies took action against HIV and AIDS calling for greater acceptance of people living with HIV. A youth-led event held in Nekkies on World AIDS Day December 1st culminated in a symbolic release of 920 red balloons – representing the 920 South Africans who die of AIDS-related illnesses each day[1]. The event began with a ‘Walk for Life’ followed by invited speakers discussing issues affecting people living with HIV and the benefits of timely ARV therapy. Information on HIV and its prevention was provided. Afterwards young people from MADaboutART showed a series of short films showing how HIV affects the lives of so many in their community. The event was developed by the young people of MADaboutART who were joined by the Departments of Health and Education, Knysna Municipality, local NGOs, community leaders and leaders of all faiths working together with a shared vision to breakdown stigma and raise awareness of HIV. Larry Gurney, chief executive and founder of MADaboutART said “If we continue to work in isolation without a shared vision or share too many words and not enough action we will continue to bury the mothers and fathers and children instead of once and for all working together to dig a grave for this virus. It is time to stop HIV and close off all the opportunities it has to take the people we love from us.” http://www.madaboutart.org or e-mail . We thank the World AIDS Campaign for its support of this event.

[1] Medical Research Council figures 2006

Togo

Terre Nouvelle, a youth association established to the Togo, mobilised youth events between November 27 to December 08 2006, during the School Festival of Football in the whole district of Kuma.

The manifestation of the efforts was the GYCA World AIDS Day Local Gathering, in which 5 towns mobilised with an estimated population to more than 20.000 inhabitants. During 13 days, events such as poetry competitions, drawings, discussions and information on the HIV/AIDS, allowed this rural community to gain new information and communication, to have access to more means to fight against the AIDS.

Ukraine

Kiev

On December 1st a concert dedicated to World Day of Solidarity with HIV-positive people took place the Kyiv Palace of Sport. Show-business and sport stars took part in this event. Tina Karol, a participant of Eurovision-2006 was one of the singers. People affected by HIV/AIDS epidemic and youth came to listen to the concert. The participants of the concert demonstrated their solidarity, understanding and support to people living with HIV. A telecommunication marathon was taking place during the concert with those regions where the events related to the Day of Solidarity were taking place. Dancers and singers expressed their gratitude to those involved in combating HIV/AIDS epidemic in Ukraine. The concert atmosphere proved the fact the solidarity spirit entered every region of the country.

Various Countries

To commerate World AIDS Day, Dance4Life hosted the Schools Projects' events in 11 countries on November 25, 2006. Countries include Egypt, Nigeria, The Netherlands, South Africa, Germany, Kenya, Russia, Tanzania, Ireland, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

Dublin, Ireland	Gizeh Pyramids, Egypt	Moscow, Russia
Durban, South Africa	Hanoi, Vietnam