World AIDS Day 2004, 1 December 2004

National Society activities in Africa

Angola
During the month of December, the Angolan Red Cross organized several activities in coordination with Angola Network of AIDS Service Organization. On 1 December, the National Society and Luta Pela Vida Association, the Angolan PLWHA Association, signed a cooperation agreement. Additional activities included public discussions, drama theatre and a civil society solidarity march under the slogan “Empowering women and girls to protect themselves”. During the week of 8-12 December, the National Society participated in a fair providing HIV/AIDS information material, public lectures and drama activities attracting huge crowds, including the first lady of Angola.

Central Africa
The regional delegation in Yaoundé supported the National Societies in the region, in particular the Central African Republic, in their World AIDS Day activities. The National Society mobilized its volunteers to sensitize the community and hold HIV/AIDS awareness activities. On World AIDS Day they had a prime opportunity to increase their profile and visibility. Apart from raising general HIV awareness the activities also aimed to encourage individuals to go for anonymous testing.

East Africa Region Delegation
The Nairobi Regional Delegation’s Peer Educators organised a 'Creative Competition' focusing on the World AIDS Campaign theme: ‘Women, Girls HIV and AIDS’ for the staff of the regional delegation. They were divided in groups of five, each group given a strip of red ribbon and asked to come up with a creative way of highlighting the theme as prizes were awarded to the winning groups. Additionally, a woman living with HIV/AIDS was invited to share her experience and a youth group presented poems and skits.

Namibia
PLWHA, care-givers and HIV/AIDS workers joined together in a 'March of Hope' on 4 December 2004. The Prime Minister, accompanied by his wife and other senior government officials, joined the event coordinated by the network of PLWHA and other partners of the National Society.

Nigeria
Volunteers hosted rallies, events, quizzes and other fun activities. The main activity was the launch of the “Nutrition and HIV/AIDS –Basic Facts” booklet. Poster exhibitions were also held featuring work from youth across the country. Partners including the Network of PLWHA in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), the Nigeria Chapter of Women and AIDS in Africa, Nestle and various embassies were in attendance. The event was covered nationwide by print and electronic media.

Somalia
Under the slogan: “Say No to discrimination - Protect our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters from HIV/AIDS”, the Somali Red Crescent Society, working closely with partners, commemorated World AIDS Day throughout its 19 branches. Activities included marches, distribution of informational materials, HIV-related quizzes, football matches and a play. There were speeches delivered by prominent people including religious leaders and extensive media coverage.

South Africa
Activities ranged from drama performances, craft markets, distribution of pamphlets and condoms, soft ball tournaments, and “Door-to-Door” Campaigns. Additionally, food parcels, blankets and clothes made by members of the National Society were handed over to people affected by HIV/AIDS while baby rompers and toys were distributed to children affected by HIV/AIDS. A special South African Red Cross bookmark was produced for World AIDS Day and an awareness campaign was held highlighting the effects of stigma. People living with HIV/AIDS participated in awareness activities in their own communities and outreach programmes with the youth were held in four branches.

Southern Africa Regional Delegation
Representatives from 20 embassies in Harare were invited to commemorate the day. A representative from “Choose Life”, an organization dealing with youth, HIV and AIDS gave a presentation on the vulnerability of women and girls to HIV/AIDS and a high ranking government representative addressed the gathering, commending the Red Cross Red Crescent on its work to improve the lives of PLWHA. Additionally 3 children from the “Girl Child Network” gave moving testimonies.

Togo
From 26 November to 5 December the Togo Red Cross AIDS Programme organized various awareness activities on the theme: ‘Reinforcing the campaign on the fight against stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS’ and linked this theme to the World AIDS Campaign theme: ‘Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS’. The activities included information stands in popular markets, football tournaments for women, radio phone-in programmes as well as group debates in Mother’s Clubs, women’s associations and fashion and beauty salons. To show solidarity with PLWHA home visits and meals with the people living with HIV/AIDS were organized. Additionally, “the lesson of life” and an essay titled “good news” on HIV/AIDS were presented to about 1,620 children.