On 6 December 2017, UNAMID’s HIV/AIDS Unit celebrated World AIDS Day at the Mission headquarters in El Fasher, North Darfur, under the theme “Your Health, Your Right.” The event, which was attended by UNAMID Police Commissioner, Priscilla Makotose, senior management and staff, included drama and cultural performances. Mohamad Almahady
On 6 December 2017, UNAMID’s HIV/AIDS Unit celebrated World AIDS Day at the Mission headquarters in El Fasher, North Darfur, under the theme “Your Health, Your Right.” The event, which was attended by UNAMID Police Commissioner, Priscilla Makotose, senior management and staff, included drama and cultural performances.
UNAMID peacekeepers (civilian, military and police), participated in a march and observed a minute of silence in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to this disease. Additionally, all attendees lit a candle in a symbolic gesture of solidarity to pay tribute to the people living with HIV and AIDS as well as their caregivers and supporters.
Addressing the occasion, Ms. Priscilla Makotose, read UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message on the day, in which he called for a renewed commitment to collective efforts in making the AIDS epidemic a thing of the past.
“Women and girls continue to be disproportionally affected by HIV, particularly in Africa. Men are less likely to know that they are living with the virus, less likely to seek treatment for it, and more likely to transmit HIV as a result,” said Mr Gutteres.
In his remarks, Joseph Gerardo Gernal, Head, HIV/AIDS Unit, UNAMID, encouraged all UNAMID personnel to advocate for the eradication of AIDS by 2030. “Together, focused and determined, we will realize our vision of an AIDS-free world,” said Mr. Gernal.
Similar commenorations took place across all UNAMID offices in Darfur.