DUSHANBE, December 1, Asia-Plus — On November 30, an wards ceremony was held at Tajik Journalists’ Union in Dushanbe for the winners of the competition “HIV/AIDS: Prevention, Treatment and Care.” The competition dedicated to World AIDS Day was conducted under the aegis of the Central Asia AIDS Project (CAAP).
According to the CAAP Dushanbe Office, the goal of the competition, which was announced last spring, was to promote development and active involvement of the public and media in Tajikistan in seeking solution to the problem of HIV/AIS in the country and covering issues of AIDS and information about healthy lifestyle.
All electronic and print media, individuals and organizations were eligible to participate in the contest, and the information materials, which were considered by the contest jury, were aired in electronic media or published in print media from last spring.
After consideration of all submitted works, the jury took the following decision: first place in the “Video PSA” was given to Mirzojamshed Mahmoudov from Khujand. Firouz Barotov, correspondent with the Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service, took first place in the “Series of Audio AIDS Programs” category. Tuhfa Ahmadova won the contest in the “AIDS Article in Print Media” category.
The objective of the Central Asia AIDS Project (CAAP) is to contribute to the control of the spread of HIV in the Central Asia Region through the strengthening of capacity and cooperation between the Public, Nongovernmental (NGOs) and the Private sectors on the Regional and National levels through the establishment of Regional AIDS Fund as a sustainable mechanism for financing of HIV counteraction activities.
A series of activities of were organized in Tajikistan on the occasion of World AIDS Day.
Started on December 1 1988, World AIDS Day is not just about raising money, but also about increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done. World AIDS Day was originally organized by UNAIDS, who chose the theme after consultation with other organizations. In 2005 UNAIDS handed over responsibility for World AIDS Day to an independent organization known as The World AIDS Campaign (WAC).
The WAC’s slogan for their work is “Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise”. This is an appeal to governments, policy makers and regional health authorities to ensure that they meet the many targets that have been set in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and especially the promise of universal access to HIV treatment, care, support and prevention services by 2010. This campaign will run until 2010, with a related theme chosen for World AIDS Day each year.
The 2007 theme, “leadership”, highlights the need for innovation, vision and perseverance in the face of the AIDS challenge. The campaign calls on all sectors of society such as families, communities and civil society organizations – rather than just governments – to take the initiative and provide leadership on AIDS.
