Started on December 1, 1988, World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education.
The international theme for World AIDS Day 2012 is ‘Getting to Zero’, or, in its longer version, “Getting to zero: zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths”. In Pattaya, the local theme is “Together We Protect, Care and Live”.
Global leaders have pledged to work towards universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, prevention and care. Valuable progress has been made in increasing access to HIV and AIDS services, yet greater commitment is needed around the world if the goal of universal access is to be achieved. Millions of people continue to be infected with HIV every year. In low- and middle-income countries, less than half of those in need of antiretroviral therapy are receiving it, and too many do not have access to adequate care services.
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.
In conjunction with cities around the world, Pattaya City will organize activities to commemorate World AIDS Day December 1.
Activities are planned between 4 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.
A parade will begin in front Royal Garden Plaza at 5.00 p.m. heading down Beach Road to Pattaya School No. 8.
Many local businesses and schools will take part in the parade, and will also be competing for cash prizes in the Anti-AIDS Parade Campaign contest.
A stage will be set up at Pattaya School No. 8 in South Pattaya that will feature dances and musical performances, along with speeches and the awards presentation for winners in the parade contest. An OTOP (One Tambon One Product) market featuring locally made products, as well as exhibition booths.
The closing ceremony is scheduled for 8.30 p.m.
The public and private sectors will be joined by people working in the health and fitness sector who will distribute condoms along the parade route. The objective is to create awareness about the dreaded HIV/AIDS pandemic and how to protect oneself from contracting it and preventing it from spreading into the community.