Monday 23 November 2009

World AIDS day brings message of discrimination

Cairns residents have been urged to show their compassion for those affected by HIV as the region prepares to mark World AIDS Day on December 1st, next Tuesday, on the 21st anniversary of the commemoration.
"This year’s theme is 'Take Action. No Discrimination'," says Kevin Scott of Queensland Association of Healthy Communities.
The week-long celebrations will culminate with a candlelight vigil at the Cairns Esplanade lagoon on Tuesday December 1 at 6pm.
“After all the successes and advances we have made in the treatment of HIV, it’s disappointing that people living with HIV are still being discriminated against," Kevin Scott says. "Discrimination takes a pervasive toll on the physical, mental and emotional well-being of people living with HIV who already have enough to deal with managing a chronic illness."

“This World AIDS Day, we call for discrimination to be challenged and ended whenever and wherever it is encountered” Scott said.
In 2008, 167 Queenslanders were diagnosed with HIV infection, the highest number of HIV notifications reported since 1984. However, the annual number of new AIDS diagnoses continues to decrease, as does the number of deaths. This decrease is due to the use of effective anti-retroviral treatment.
"We encourage the people of Cairns to join in events to celebrate the lives of those lost to AIDS and help raise awareness of the continuing battle against the spread of HIV," Kevin Scott says.

“I encourage everyone this World AIDS Day to show your support: wear a red ribbon, talk to your friends and work colleagues about HIV or make a donation to an AIDS charity. Knowledge, compassion and action are the strongest weapons we have in the fight against HIV.”

The aim of World AIDS Day is to raise consciousness in the community about HIV/AIDS issues, including the need for support and understanding for people living with HIV/AIDS, and the need for the development of education and prevention initiatives.

A series of activities have been planned for the Cairns area, including a candlelight vigil at the lagoon on Tuesday December 1 at 6pm.

World AIDS Day 2009 Program

Tuesday, November 24
Launch of AIDS Awareness Week, 2.30pm Cairns Regional Council
with Councillor Di Forsyth
Yarrabah Youth Community Information Day

Wednesday, November 25
Cairns Sun Newspaper feature on World AIDS Day

Thursday, November 26
World AIDS Day Red Ribbon stall Raintree s Shopping Centre
Movie night at QLD Association for Health Communities, 290 Draper St,6.30pm

Friday, November 27
World AIDS Day Red Ribbon stalls Stockland Shopping Centre and UMI ArtsMarket, Esplanade

Saturday, November 28
World AIDS Day Red Ribbon stall Cairns Central Shopping Centre

Sunday, November 29
World AIDS Day Red Ribbon stall Smithfield Shopping Centre

Tuesday, December 1 - 6pm
Cairns Cares World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil, The Lagoon, Esplanade. Entertainment by Out Loud Choir. BBQ food
Speakers: Dr Darren Russell, President Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine Maryanne Amu, Wapenamanda Health Clinic PNG
Yarrabah Cares World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil, 3.30 6.30pm
Speeches, entertainment, stalls and food, Yarrabah
Contact: Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service
  • More info, call 4041 5451

Here's Nick Conner and Kevin Smith from QaHC Cairns...

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