World Aids Day 2016.

  

NATIONAL CELEBRATION OF WORLD AIDS DAY, 1ST DECEMBER 2016, AT THE CARNIVAL GROUND, NARARA PARADE, LAUTOKA.

INTRODUCTION:

The "World AIDS Day" is a UN International marked event that is celebrated worldwide. It draws together concerned citizens who advocate on a number of issues pertaining to HIV and AIDS particularly on reducing STIGMA and DISCRIMINATION, promotion of equality and Zero Discrimination. World AIDS Day has been celebrated in Fiji for the last 17 years beginning in 1999 with the International theme of "Listen, Learn and Live". This year’s theme is "Stand Up for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS."

This report highlights the participation in Lautoka, of Viseisei Sai Health Centre, along with other NGO’s, CSO’s and the Ministry of Health.

PARTICIPANTS DURING THE WORLD AIDS DAY.

A number of local groups in Lautoka and Suva participated in this advocacy program.
They were:

Fiji Red Cross - Lautoka Branch
International Rescue Centre AOG Church - Lautoka
LGBT Group - Lautoka
HIV & AIDS Advocates - Lautoka and Suva
National Youth Band - Suva
Various Registered Youth Groups from the Ministry of Youth
Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji
Community Health Workers - Lautoka and Ba
Viseisei Sai Health Centre CCOHSI Staff
UNAIDS Pacific Office
Ministry of Health

There were about 800 to 1000 people who participated during the march that began from Shirley Park and proceeded through Naviti Street, Vitogo Parade, and Narara Parade to the Carnival Ground.

ORDER OF THE EVENT.

1. March through Lautoka -

The various groups were assembled and then walked through the city along the route aforementioned. The Chief Guest for the event, who led the march with various other leaders in the field of HIV and AIDS, was Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, the UNAIDS Regional Goodwill Ambassador and former President of Fiji.

2. Opening of Celebration -

The Opening Advocacy Speech was given by Ratu Epeli Nailatikau -
He opened the advocacy program by encouraging individuals, communities and organisations to stand up on the issue of prevention of HIV and AIDS. He ended his speech by show-casing the male and female condom and highlighting the importance of sexual abstinence.

Speech By Minister for Health -
Rosy Akbar spoke on the current approach from the Ministry of Health and the importance of a multi sector response in our effort to halt the infection.

Speech By Viseisei Sai Health Centre Medical Director -
Associate Professor Dr. Swaran Naidu spoke on the importance of inclusiveness between Men and Women, as we strive to towards the prevention of HIV and AIDS, and reminded the participants that women are mostly at the receiving end when it comes to sexual and reproductive health problems.

3. End of the Program

The program ended with entertainment from participating groups followed by lunch.

Here are some photographs from the event.