DECEMBER 2005 — World AIDS Day is observed around the world on December 1, to celebrate progress in the battle against the epidemic and to focus on the remaining challenges. In commemoration of World AIDS Day 2005, various activities were implemented by the IMPACT/Egypt Project, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The global theme for World AIDS Day 2005 was "Stop AIDS: Keep the promise," and focused on enhancing and ensuring commitments to stop AIDS at all levels, including personal, community, organizational and governmental. In Egypt, FHI worked with the Expanded Theme Group (ETG), which includes the Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP), UN organizations and NGOs.
Objectives of the World AIDS Day activities organized by the ETG in Egypt included:
• Ensuring key HIV/AIDS actors (NGOs, medical personnel, donors, etc) are aware of the availability of HIV/AIDS care, support and treatment services;
• Discussing with key actors how to address current gaps in the provision of care, support and treatment services, including how to reach vulnerable groups for prevention, testing and treatment; and
• Advocating with pharmaceutical companies and the private sector to address current gaps in care, support and treatment services, such as the need to support purchase of second-line treatment and opportunistic infection medications, as well as psycho-social support.
To achieve these objectives, the ETG organized a Care, Support and Treatment Workshop for representatives from pharmaceutical companies and other organizations. The Minister of Health chaired the meetings with Dr. Nafis Sadik, Secretary General, UN Special Envoy on HIV/AIDS. FHI, in conjunction with the ETG, supported the production of a documentary depicting PLHA and their views regarding care and support services provided in Egypt. This video, which was shown during the workshop, portrays personal experiences of HIV infection and has been tremendously successful in gaining support for HIV prevention activities.
FHI supported radio and TV spots as part of the ETG's AIDS awareness activities. FHI home-based care and VCT documents were among the key materials disseminated to all participants, educating stakeholders and the media. The workshop was followed by a press conference at which Dr. Nafis Sadik and the Minister of Health brought AIDS issues to public attention.
FHI organized other events, including the Egyptian Religious Leaders Workshop, an AIDS Awareness Raising Workshop among Garbage Collectors and the opening of the first NGO-based VCT center in Egypt, at Caritas Alexandria. Although Caritas Alexandria is currently accepting clients at the VCT center, the official launch will take place in the near future.
