World AIDS Day is commemorated annually on December 1st around the world and provides an opportunity for us to unite in the fight against HIV, remember those who have died and strengthen our efforts in the battle against the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The UNAIDS World AIDS Day theme for 2011 to 2015 is: “Getting to Zero” This theme, echoes the UNAIDS vision of achieving “Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths.” This year the Turks and Caicos AIDS Awareness Foundation (TCAAF) hosted a Cocktail party at Seven Stars to promote this theme, raise awareness, remember those who died and support the people who are living with HIV/AIDS in the TCI.
“I call upon all of us to stop discriminating against persons infected with HIV. World AIDS Day serves as a time to renew our collective community. We should not discriminate against fellow human beings irrespective of race, religion or health status. Let us focus on prevention and education as well as remembrance of those who have died and support for those infected,” said Hon. Galmo Williams, patron, founder and director of the Turks and Caicos AIDS Awareness Foundation. Guests in attendance of the cocktail party were entertained live by Crystal Charles and members of the Towers of Babel. Former Coordinator of the National HIV Prevention Unit Mrs. Cheryl Ann Jones, was honoured for her dedication and works in the field of HIV/AIDS in the TCI and Goldsmith was honoured for their continued support to the Foundation.
In 2016, TCAAF anticipates, continued works in partnership with the National HIV Prevention Unit, strengthening local services to the people living with HIV/AIDS, eliminating HIV-related stigma and discrimination and preventing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths added the release.
