The Call to Action: "HIV is EVERYBODY'S Concern", the theme of the National HIV Testing Week 2015 and the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Philippines 2015 is only 4 days away! The culminating event will be held on May 17, 2015 with FREE registration starting at 2pm at the Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City, Philippines.
The Project Red Ribbon (TRR), the communications partner of the Department of Health for its HIV and AIDS Program, together with the National AIDS/STI Prevention and Control Program has been campaigning nationwide through its posters, social media campaigns and press conferences during the National HIV Testing Week which started last May 11 and will end on May 15, a weeklong initiative to destigmatize people through awareness and education about HIV and AIDS.
The TRR-DOH partnership started its campaign last May 6 during a Press Conference at the DOH Compound in Tayuman, Manila. The TV advertisement was then aired on May 8, 2015 in ABS-CBN and GMA 7, with DOH Secretary Janette Garin encouraging everybody to get tested. The TRR-DOH posters were distributed nationwide. The outstretched arm with clenched fist is not only a call for everyone to get tested but also a call to stand up and make a firm commitment and action for the fight against the spread of HIV in the Philippines.
In May 11, a motorcade which culminated to an event in Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle was spearheaded by the Quezon City Health Office and was attended by different local government units and non government partners. This marked the start of the NHTW 2015. During the entire day, different organizations, LGU's, clinics started their FREE HIV tests nationwide. Different organizations all over the country gave interviews and were featured in newspapers and TV.
In May 12, a Press Conference was held in Iloilo Social Hygiene Clinic by TRR-DOH spearheaded by TRR President and Dr. Rossana Ditangco, the head of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine-AIDS Research Group (RITM-ARG). Also interviewed by the press were Dr. Ray Celis, the HACT Director of the Western Visayas Medical Center, Roberto Chin Jr. of DOH-Iloilo, Dr. Odette of the Iloilo City Health Office and Tomasito A.S. of TRR. During this time, the TRR-DOH Posters had been posted in different HIV and AIDS Treatment Hubs, clinics, schools, offices nationwide.
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2015 and International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2015
This coming May 17, 2015, the NHTW will culminate in the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) 2015 Philippines. This event which will be held in Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle will start opening its FREE registration at 2pm.
Coinciding with the IACM on the same date, TRR will also celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) and is included in the program of the IACM 2015. Discrimination and stigma are a challenge to the HIV and AIDS programs thus, these two great events combined will make the entire week very powerful.
After the commemoration, there is a FREE AIDS CONCERT.
The Call to Action is only 4 Days Away
We are all inviting everyone and all government, non-government organizations, companies and schools to join the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2015 Philippines on May 17, 2015 at Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle, and be part of this National Call to Action Campaign. This is a FREE event. Registration opens at 2pm.
Please bring bottles of water, banners, flags, red ribbon, candles, flashlights, whistles, bells as we show to the whole world that the Philippines is unitied in the fight against the spread of HIV in the country.
This event is a TRR-DOH initiative with these partners: Office of the Quezon City Mayor, American Foundation for AIDS Research (AmFar), TreatAsia, Metro Society Magazine, RITM-ARG, Task Force Pride.
Backgrounder
TRR has been conducting these HIV and AIDS Events since 2013. Yearly, TRR has been celebrating and commemorating the World AID Day (WAD) and the IACM. During its last event, the WAD 2014, it was attended by more that 1,500 participants.
Want to partner with us and support the advocacy in the coming events? Please email us at contact@projectredribbon.org.