In observation of the World Aids Day (WAD), a series of activities to enhance awareness about HIV commenced with a walkathon starting from the InterContinental Hotel to Qurum Natural Park yesterday. Dr Rasheed bin Safi al Huraibi, Secretary-General for National Committee for Human Rights, presided over the launch of a chain of events including an exhibition of health education activities at the Qurum Natural Park.
The programme of this annual event that is observed in December includes skill bicycle show, free style, quiz contests for children and adults alike, painting, theatre stage, documentary film, folklore performance and children’s games among many other attractions.
The two-day exhibition that concludes today is aimed at enhancing awareness about this disease with emphasis on supporting people living with HIV with their rights by preventing stigma and discrimination against them.
The occasion that has been held under the WAD’s theme — I Live my Rights, I Respect other People’s Rights, stresses on provision of access for all to HIV prevention, treatment and care as a critical part of human rights, said Dr Ali bin Ahmed Salim Ba Omar, Head of HIV/Aids Section, Ministry of Health (MoH).
Likewise, as part of this year’s central concern for a comprehensive HIV response, the global community will focus attention on protecting human rights of all people affected by HIV and those vulnerable to the disease, he stated.
In this context, as part of the task to comprehensively and effectively address the concept of HIV/Aids in the Sultanate, the ministry established the 2009-2010 Let’s Talk Aids campaign to encourage people to talk about the disease.
As a result of this two years’ drive, people have slowly adapted the habit to talk and learn about HIV. The drive has also encouraged people living with HIV to seek medical care and those at risk of the infection to seek test.
The campaign is part of the current 2008-2011 National Response Strategy for HIV/Aids drive to prevent the prevalence of new cases and to enhance awareness with emphasis on enlightening the public about the negative health, social and economic consequences caused by this preventable disease.
The event has been organised by the MoH and the National Committee for Preparation and Development of Health Education and Co-ordination of the World Health Day drive — HIV campaign.
The committee also comprises representatives of the World Health Organisation, Unicef and UNFPA. The event has been sponsored by Oman International Bank, Shell Oman, Hadid Majan, Muscat Municipality, the InterContinental Hotel, Wisal and the Royal Oman Police among other government organisations.
Maryam Khalfan
Oman Observer