11 July 2016
Government calls on members of the public, civil society, faith-based organisations, business and all sectors to join the 5 Days Countdown to the 21st International AIDS Conference. The countdown commemoration will be on Wednesday the 13th of July 2016.
The 21st International AIDS Conference, commonly known as AIDS2016, will be held from 18 to 22 July 2016 at the Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban under the theme “Access Equity Rights – Now”. More than 18 000 delegates comprising the world’s top scientists, civil society members and policymakers from 180 countries are expected to converge to discuss the fight against HIV and AIDS.
All citizens are invited to wear black, white and red clothing, the official colours of the #AIDS2016 conference, and gather as groups from 12:00 - 12:30. The public is requested to do symbolic acts of lighting candles, observing prayer moments, or releasing red/white/black balloons at exactly 12:15 to remember those affected or living with HIV/AIDS.
The colours symbolise the following:
Red: Awareness and support for those living with HIV and AIDS.
White: A beacon of hope in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Black: A symbol of honour and remembrance for all those who passed on due to the pandemic.
Government also calls on motorists who will be on the roads at 12h15 to support the campaign by hooting for 5 minutes as a sign of support.
Deputy Director General of GCIS, Nebo Legoabe said: “Organisations are requested to also display HIV-related educational information and provide services at various strategic points of their choice around the country. HIV/AIDS affect us all and as a country we have come a long way in fighting this pandemic and the struggle continues. It is in our hands as citizens of this country to have an AIDS free generation”.
Members of the media wishing to cover the 21st International AIDS Conference are advised to apply for accreditation by completing the online registration form on the link https://www.gcis.gov.za/content/media-registration. The deadline for the submission of applications is Friday, 15 July 2016.
Media accreditation enquiries should be directed to Mmemme Mogotsi on 072 856 4288/ mmemme@gcis.gov.za. No media will be allowed access to the Conference venues without accreditation. Details for collection of accreditation cards will be communicated accordingly.
Join the conversation on twitter @GCISMedia @GovernmentZA @HealthZA @SA_AIDSCOUNCIL on twitter by using the hashtag #5Days #AIDS2016. For more information on the 21st AIDS Conference, visit the webpage: www.gov.za or www.aids2016.org.
Enquiries:
Nebo Legoabe
Cell: 082 453 2874
Issued by Government Communications and information systems
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