ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, December 1, 2015/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
The African Union Commission today 1st December 2015 joined the International Community, to celebrate the 2015 edition of the World AIDS Day in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Commission took advantage of the commemoration to reiterate its commitment to the “Getting to Zero” objective on the African continent.
Under the theme “Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV Infections”, the 2015 edition of Word AIDS Day provided an opportunity for the African Union Commission to express solidarity with the global efforts to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS, combat its spread as well as provide support to those affected with the disease. Moreover, the AU Commission reaffirmed its willingness to advocate for the rights of all those who are infected by HIV/AIDS for equal opportunities and non-discriminatory practices in the society, especially at the work place. The staff also underlined the need for better financing the HIV/AIDS workplace activities for the African Union and African Member States’ Embassies via trainings and capacity building of the staff to provide HIV services.
The Medical services of the African Union Commission carried out specific activities to increase awareness of HIV issues among the staff at the African Union Commission, the African embassies and their family members. The activities included: free voluntary confidential counseling, HIV awareness campaigns and advocacy to senior managers. Red ribbons were also distributed to symbolize the commitment to eradicate AIDS in Africa.
About the world Aids Day and AIDS
In 1988 World AIDS Day was held as the first ever global health day. It is commemorated on the 1st December each year and provides opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to support people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.
