CELEBRATING WORLD AIDS DAY IN OLONGAPO

The Olongapo City government in partnership with the Olongapo City AIDS Council (OCAC) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is gearing up for the observance of World AIDS Day on December 1, 2010 at 6pm at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center with the theme, “Universal Access and Human Rights.”

A simple traditional program at the Rizal Triangle Multi-Purpose Center will be held to be spearheaded by the Olongapo City Aids Council (OCAC) under the guidance of Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr.

Various civic groups, representatives from the local government, NGO’S, students, and various establishments of the city are expected to attend the occasion . Delegates will wear white t-shirts with red ribbon. The red ribbon is the international symbol of AIDS awareness and is worn by advocates all year round to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment.

The highlight of the celebration will be the ‘candle lighting’ that symbolizes the participation of Olongapo City in the World AIDS Day. It is also a way of remembering those who died of AIDS, and people living with HIV/AIDS.

According to UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) estimates, in the Philippines there are:

8300 estimated number of HIV cases

5625 actual reported cases in the HIV registry (Sept 2010)

7:3 male to female ratio of reported cases

30% youth aged 15-24 years old diagnosed with HIV

>95% are sexually transmitted

200-300% incidents increase of new cases this year as compared to the same time last year.

The vast majority of people with HIV and AIDS live in lower- and middle-income countries. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world.

The city government of Olongapo and the OCAC are continuously implementing programs for AIDS awareness and consciousness. For more information, call the Olongapo AIDS hotline at telephone number 224-2437.

The “red ribbon” is the international symbol of AIDS.