WAD Sri Lanka
Alliance Lanka tell us about activities they are organising for World AIDS Day 2007 in Sri Lanka.
Alliance Lanka is a non governmental non profit organisation established in 1995 to work on HIV and AIDS intervention programmes throughout Sri Lanka through capacity-building of communities. Alliance Lanka is the lead organisation of the Pan-Commonwealth Network on HIV and AIDS in the Asia region. The organisation spearheaded the launch of the Asia network in Sri Lanka in August 2007, in partnership with the Commonwealth Foundation and the Commonwealth Secretariat. The National STD AIDS Control Programme of the Ministry of Health is supporting Alliance Lanka in all its activities related to HIV and AIDS.
The Organisation is implementing HIV and AIDS programmes with various vulnerable populations in Sri Lanka using participatory and behaviour change focused programmes. With support from the Commonwealth Foundation, Alliance Lanka was able to build the capacity of over 150 civil society organisations, located in 23 districts covering 8 provinces of Sri Lanka, to work effectively on HIV and AIDS.
Every year, on December 1st, Alliance Lanka plans and implements campaigns to commemorate those who have died of AIDS and to extend support to those living with HIV and their families.
This year on the 1st of December, we are organising an awareness campaign on HIV and AIDS in Colombo Fort in front of the railway station. We have already discussed this with the Station Master and this being a social activity which will benefit many, he has given his consent. The Fort police station has also been informed. According to the Station Master's instructions, the campaign will take place from 2.00 to 8.00 pm.
A video presentation specifically prepared on HIV and AIDS targeting youth will be displayed at the location using a multi-media projector. Posters and banners specifically prepared for the event will also be displayed. Information material on Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), HIV and AIDS will be distributed among those who approach the organisers' desk and trained staff will be available at the location to provide detailed information on HIV and AIDS. Red ribbons will also be pinned on everyone who would like to wear one on this day. It is expected that many people who will visit Colombo Fort on this day will visit the special desk.
Alliance Lanka is organising this event with the Sri Lankan members of the Asian Pan Commonwealth Civil Society Network on HIV and AIDS.
As a follow up to this awareness creation campaign, Alliance Lanka will request anyone who is seeking further assistance regarding STI, HIV and AIDS to visit its Colombo-based office in Nugegoda, or any of its network partners based in most parts of Sri Lanka.
