HIV/AIDS is a global threat that knows no boundaries. Individuals from around the world will be coming together on World AIDS Day, December 1st, to commemorate the theme of “Getting to Zero. Zero New HIV Infections. Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths.”, and to honour those people living with or having passed away as a result of HIV/AIDS. First declared by the World Health Organization and the United Nationals General Assembly in 1998, World AIDS Day has progressively become one of the most successful “international days” for raising awareness on a global issue.
World AIDS Day is preceded by AIDS Awareness Week, beginning annually on the 24th of November. The aim of World AIDS Day and AIDS Awareness Week is to raise consciousness in the community about issues surrounding HIV/AIDS, including the support and understanding for people living with HIV/AIDS, and the need for the development of education and prevention initiatives.
To raise awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS in our community, AIDS Niagara is planning a variety of events. The kick-off will be held at St. Catharines City Hall on Thursday November 24, 2011 at 11:00am with the Annual Flag Raising Ceremony.
On World AIDS Day, December 1, 2011 AIDS Niagara is hosting an Open House from 10:00am until 3:00pm at our office located at 120 Queenston St., St. Catharines. This is an opportunity to commemorate people who lost their lives to HIV, acknowledge those fighting the battle, applaud progress made and recommit to ending the epidemic. Rapid On-Site HIV testing will be available at this event from 10:00am until 4:00pm.
Also on World AIDS Day there will be a “Celebration of Life” service held at Westview Church, 124 Queenston St., St. Catharines at 7:00pm. This service will Remember, Reflect and Celebrate people living with or having passed away as a result of HIV/AIDS.
For more information or interviews with AIDS Niagara, please contact us at (905) 984-8684 or visit our website at www.aidsniagara.com.
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