World AIDS Day in Vienna 2011

 

 

At the beginning of the day, UN colleagues were greeted with baked goods and red ribbons. The ribbons were distributed throughout the day and donations were collected for local organizations which work in the area of HIV and AIDS. Information tables were set up to provide pamphlets from organizations in Vienna that deal with HIV and AIDS.

Material on various themes that the HIV Section at UNODC deals with as well as information about stigma in the workplace by UNcares were placed throughout the building. Free HIV testing and condom demonstrations and distributions, performed by the medical service were highly appreciated by staff members.

In addition there was a screening of the movie "Into the Lights" during the lunch hour. The movie touched upon various topics, such as stigma, AIDS orphans, HIV testing and treatment in Tanzania. Though sad, it was nonetheless uplifting, reminding the audience that we have achieved much throughout these 30 years of HIV and AIDS and that there is much still to be done. Continuous slideshows and short movies from UNAIDS and UNcares were also screened throughout the building so that those who did not attend the "Into the Lights" screening could still learn about HIV and AIDS issues with minimum time commitment.

A red ribbon projection on the Vienna International Centre building, which has been made possible due to a generous donation from UNFCU, culminated the World Aids Day activities. People who glanced out their office windows, out of the trains and passed by in their cars, were able to see the projection and commemorate the day. This year's World Aids Day awareness campaign resulted in a high participation from the Vienna International Centre community, and we had ground breaking record for fundraising and a lot of participations in all activities.