Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya in ESIGODINI
PREPARATIONS for this year’s World AIDS Day commemorations set for Umzingwane High School have gathered momentum, with organisers saying they have started resource mobilisation.
The event will be held on December 1, under the theme “Overcoming Distruptions, Transforming Aids Response”.
National Aids Council (NAC) acting director of communications, Mr Trust Govere, said the event is aimed at raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, combating stigma, and promoting understanding.
Mr Govere emphasised the importance of addressing inequalities that hinder progress in ending AIDS.
He said the theme presents an opportunity for the country and its partners to strengthen their strategies to fight the HIV/Aids pandemic.
“The theme is responsive to the effects of the cutting of funding on some of our donors,” said Mr Govere.
“So this means we have to be ready and we have to put in place measures to minimise the effects on limited funding.
“We have activated all committees and we want to make this event a success. In fact, the theme calls for us as a country to expand our services, introduce new ideas, new strategies and maintain the ongoing HIV intervention strategies which are working.”
He said some major activities during the event will include a candlelight memorial to be held in memory of all those who have passed on the day before the main event.
Mr Govere said they had also organised a wellness marathon to be held in commemoration of World Aids Day.
A number of popular artists from Matabeleland South have also been engaged to perform during the main event.
Peter Tanyanyiwa