December 1 marks the international observance of World Aids Day, a worldwide campaign to unite people in the fight against HIV and Aids.
The City Health Office of San Fernando led the celebration in the city in coordination with other Government Agencies and Non-Government Organizations based in the city.
With the theme, “STOP AIDS, Keep the Promise”, the city organizers lined up activities for the whole day.
A motorcade was conducted in the morning participated in by different government agencies like the Department of Health; hospitals like Lorma, Bethany, La Union Medical Diagnostic Center, and the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center; Non-Government Organizations such as the Family Planning Organization and Philippine National Red Cross; the Philippine National Police, and Coca Cola.
A blood screening was held the whole day and around 220 individuals availed of the service and condoms for free were distributed.
In the afternoon, a mass was held followed by a torch parade and a candlelight ceremony as a demonstration of the city’s oneness in the fight against HIV and Aids. Schools with medical courses such as AMA, Union Christian College, La Union College of Nursing and Lorma Colleges were the lead participants.
On December 7, the organizers held a mass participated by bar girls working at the red lights district of the city followed by a program open forums, live testimonies, games and featured band as part of the fellowship.
Statistics show that an estimated 38.6 million people worldwide are living with HIV at the end of 2006, and more than 25 million people have already died of AIDS since 1981. Advocates designated December 1st to serve as a reminder to everyone that action makes a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS. |
