World AIDS Day 2012 / #WAD2012 - Malaysia

What do you/we understand about AIDS?

Well, mine was pretty lame, just like how we saw in our local TV. Basically, the doctor will tell you that you have AIDS and you immediately fall sick and die in 3 months time. Little that I know this is NOT the case.

The actual fact is that AIDS :

• Applies to the most advance HIV stage

• May occur 10 – 15 (maybe more) years after HIV infection

• Occurrence of any of more than 20 Opportunistic Infection (TB, Candidiasis, Pneumonia, Kaposi’s Sarcoma, Hepatitis)

This shows how little I/we know and how ignorant we are. Education on HIV, People Living With HIV and AIDS is very crucial. Remember guys, KNOWLEDGE is POWER.

Why the sudden on AIDS and HIV stuff on my blog you may ask. Well, I have been blessed to participate in this great event, World AIDS Day 2012 or #WAD2012 as on twitter. And I can’t brag enough.

The event set-up before the VIPs & celebrities arrive.

World AIDS Day falls on December 1^st and in Malaysia, the event was held for 2 days in Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur. The 2 days event in partnership with The Medical Students Society of University Malaya, PT Foundation Sdn Bhd, Reckitt Benkiser (M) Sdn Bhd and MAC’s other 49 partner organizations themed “RED Ribbon Youth Club celebrate World AIDS Day” highlighted HIV/AIDS awareness, fighting prejudice, improving education and also fundraising activities. Among the activities were :

1.  RED Ribbon Youth Club launch. MAC’s latest addition to the growing list of RED Ribbon Celebrity Supporter – Aaron Aziz. (Yes, I get to see him close up and live!)

2. The assembly of a huge Red Ribbon Sculpture.

3. Durex “Rise-Up Play SAFE Project”, the World's First Social-Powered Balloon. (Yes, the one with Harith Iskander riding on it)

4. Free ‘HUGS’. The Medical Students Society of University Malaya.

5. Flash Mob

6. Drama / monologue

7. Fashion Show Performance

8. Hitz.FM entertainment

9. RED Ribbon Celebrity Supporter guest appearance

10. Stage performances by the marginalized community

11. Awareness & Exhibition booth

Yes yes…. Not only Aaron Aziz was there, there were other Red Ribbon Celebrity Supporters as well such as Bob AF2, Winnie K and Dayang Nurfaizah, Fahrin Ahmad, Anantha, Uthaya, Datin Seri Umie Aida, Owen Yap and many more.

Globetrotter #WAD2012 event photos, please click HERE 

 

Eradicate AIDS Stigma

 

:(

Remembered talking to Fie on how powerful this message is.

Be the message. Enough said.

 Proud UM students!

I guess for me, the highlight for this event was to participate in this event itself, it was truly an overwhelming and an certainly eye-opening experience. So many questions were asked just proofed how little knowledge I have and how judgmental I was (well, not anymore). Now now…. I can’t lie the fact that I was a little (Ok! A lot!!! [Eye-rolling]) bit excited seeing Aaron Aziz live (breathing same air tuh) but not as excited as the girl standing next to him all launch long *wink*.

 The event starts.

The moment Harith Iskander being lifted up on World's First Social-Powered Balloon.

Yup! Aaron Aziz officiate the ride.

The event was followed by a press conference at Starbucks. For more info, please read here.

I am and do look forward to participate on more activities such as this. InsyaAllah. I guess I just like the post feel-good feeling (and pre too). 

GETTING TO ZERO

Zero Discrimination – Zero New HIV Infection – Zero AIDS Death

Links :

The Official RRYC Page : fb.me/redribboyouthclub.
MAC FB page : https://www.facebook.com/Malaysian.AIDS.Council?ref=ts&fref=ts
Youths Today (Voluntary Management System) : http://www.youthstoday.com/py/the_pyevent/red-ribbon-youth-club-celebrates-world-aids-2012
Twibbon via this link -- http://twibbon.com/support/rryc-celebrates-wad-2012
Globetrotter #WAD2012 event photos, please click HERE

Hugs anyone?