The Malaysian AIDS Council World AIDS Day
WORLD RED! LANDMARK ILLUMINATION
Care, Concern, Hope, Support for Malaysians infected/affected by HIV and AIDS
Kuala Lumpur, 4th December 2009 – The Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) today commemorates the Red Ribbon.
In conjunction with the World AIDS Day, RED is the colour of the month at the Kuala Lumpur Tower. Malaysian AIDS Council in partnership with KL Tower Sdn Bhd will be illuminating the tower in bold red lights for a month starting from 4th December 2009 to 31st December 2009.
The Red Ribbon is the International Symbol of AIDS awareness. It is worn to demonstrate care and concern for those infected with HIV/AIDS and those who care and support them. .
The Red Ribbon is intended to be a symbol of Hope; the hope that one-day the HIV epidemic will be over. The ribbon offers a symbolic support: for those living with HIV; for continuing education to those not yet infected; for maximum efforts to find effective treatment, cures or vaccine; and for those who have lost friends, family members or loved ones to AIDS.
With almost 90,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Malaysia today and another 10 people tested positive each day, these statistics clearly reflect the severity epidemic that we and the world face. The Malaysian AIDS Council, which has been committed to respond to HIV/AIDS in Malaysia for more than 17 years, aims to continue to make a big difference in the lives of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
“I hope through the second unique illumination in Malaysia, our message encapsulates the spirit of bringing people together from all walks of life in increasing awareness and fighting prejudice towards HIV and AIDS. It is also a call for ongoing commitment and support to all Malaysians to battle the epidemic in this country.” said Prof Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President of the Malaysian AIDS Council.
“KL Tower is committed in supporting such programmes; it our hope the bold red shining the world famous monuments become an international symbol of hope and continue to empower and enlighten millions of people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS everywhere” said Dato’ Zulkifli Mohamad, Chief Executive Officer of the KL Tower Sdn Bhd.
About World AIDS Day
December 1, 2009 marks the 21st anniversary of World AIDS Day when the world comes together to commemorate a day that began in 1988 to raise awareness and fight prejudice and stigma against HIV/AIDS. Through the decades more and more people across the globe are becoming infected and affected by HIV. Through the years much has also been learned on how to deal with the epidemic, how to respond effectively and the major successes that have occurred with treatment. While many of these changes are positive, this anniversary also offers us an opportunity to highlight how much more still needs to be done.
‘Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise – Universal Access & Human Rights’ is the theme for World AIDS Day 2009, promoted with the campaign slogan, ‘Get Tested. Get Treated.’ Universal access to effective prevention and treatment cannot occur without respecting human rights. The risk of HIV infection and its impact feeds on violations of human rights, including discrimination against women and marginalised groups such as sex workers, people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men. HIV also frequently begets human rights violations such as further discrimination and violence. Over the past decade the critical need for strengthening human rights to effectively respond to the epidemic and deal with its effects has become ever clearer. Protecting human rights and promoting public health are mutually reinforcing.
World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us - individuals, communities and political leaders - to take action and ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care are met.
Get educated, get involved, get tested and get treated: www.mac.org.my/WAD09