UNITE FOR CHILDREN UNITE AGAINST AIDS

January 1, 2008

Unite to fight against AIDS

It was a Saturday morning in December and the weather was nice and cool. But this weekend was somewhat special because a walk was organized under the theme “Take the Lead. Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise”. At 6 o’clock in downtown Vientiane, a huge crowd had gathered at the victory monument square. Some came to set up stalls but many assembled for the 3-km walk against AIDS.

The event captured the interest of people from various backgrounds. I saw people from government offices, United Nations agencies and partners, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), business sectors, monks, students, children, people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS. The walk was lead by the Vice Governor of Vientiane Capital. We were all happy to see this crowd of more than 700 people who came together to raise awareness on the role of leadership in addressing the issue of HIV and AIDS.

As the crowd happily marched along the street from the victory gate to the Presidential Office, the 3-km distance did not seem far. People were chatting and walking. Some were reading cartoon booklets about risk behaviors and how HIV is contracted as well as leaflets on HIV transmission. The walk ended at the victory gate with many people beaming from the pleasant walk.

The attention of the crowd was then drawn to the stalls set up by the various NGOs and youth volunteer groups. The self-help group of people living with HIV and AIDS also had a stall. As I approached their stall, I could see that the members had nicely laid out their products for sale. This included various souvenirs, bags, aprons, accessories, and shirts; all produced by the sewing group as a result of their UNICEF-supported income generating activities. One of the ladies pointed to a brand tag attached to the bags. I could see that she was proud of the group’s product and brand and I totally agree with her. The sewing group is not even a year old yet they have achieved a lot during this short period. The products were also well accepted by those who came to the morning walk.

I think this year’s event was a successful one. There were many people from all walks of life who came to support this awareness-raising forum. They acknowledged the fact that it is a challenge to keep Laos a low prevalence country. This is why it is so important to join in the fight now against AIDS---before it is too late.