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Each year, on 1 December, the world commemorates World AIDS Day, which is regarded as the longest-running disease awareness initiative of its kind in the history of public health. On that day, we honor the millions of lives lost to HIV and AIDS-related illness. It is important that we remind the public that HIV has not gone away. More importantly, we reflect on how far we have achieved the goal of ending this pandemic once and for all. To echo this year's World AIDS Day, the Society for AIDS Care (SAC) continues raising awareness and support for people living with HIV and encouraging HIV testing.

The World Health Organization issued new recommendations to increase HIV testing uptake. In particular, it recommends that HIV-serodiscordant couples get tested for HIV regularly. Studies have shown this can keep the positive partner healthier for longer and reduce the risk of passing the virus to their loved ones. Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic has affected the in-person HIV testing service, and for older and low-income serodiscordant couples, the cost of the HIV Self-Testing Kit might be a burden. That’s why we are launching a Buy-1-Give-1 HIV Self-Testing Kit campaign. For every HIV Self-Testing Kit purchased, SAC will donate one HIV Self-Testing kit to an HIV-serodiscordant couple. The campaign will last until December 31. Donate HK$150 now to get a kit for yourself and share your love with others. Please support our cause at shorturl.at/bkqS9

According to the Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health figures in 2021, Hong Kong reported that more than 112 new cases in each quarter in average, meaning that about 1.2 persons get diagnosed each day. Most patients under SAC’s care suffer HIV infection were unknowing of its cause at the time. Some of these cases include mother-to-child transmission, sexual contact and tainted blood transfusion. These patients live under constant stress of HIV stigma and discrimination, driving them to live alone, isolated and burdened by their HIV status. We urged the public to talk openly about HIV, which can help normalize the subject, correct misconceptions and understand more about HIV. From 26 to 27 November, we organized a public roadshow at Yau Tsim Mong District, to showcase the art pieces made by PLHIV. Other activities such as an exhibition to introduce the services of SAC and information on our unique women phone-in hotline and free HIV & Syphilis testing, red ribbon interaction zone and photo area were also held during the event.

Every December is HIV/AIDS awareness month. We once again appealed for everyone in Hong Kong to show their support. Through their active participation, we hope to reduce discrimination against PLHIV. Therefore, PLHIV can seek proper help without fear, and feel better prepared to re-integrate back to the community.

Media Enquiry：
Fundraising & Communications Manager, Ms. Yan Lee
Telephone: 2559 2006 / Email: pr@aidscare.com.hk
 

The Society for AIDS Care (SAC) organized the annual AIDS Charity Walk to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and to encourage people to get involved in prevention efforts, get tested, know their status, and get linked to care and treatment. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the walk continued as virtual format to adhere to pandemic health and safety protocols while raising money for a great cause. In the month of October, nearly 600 participants joined together to appeal for all sectors of the public to be aware that people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) should seek proper treatment without fear of discrimination or being turned away due to their HIV status. Together, we “Say No to Discrimination!”

After more than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual walk format has changed it from one-day physical event at the Peak, Hong Kong to a month-long virtual event. Corporates, families, students and individuals who registered for the walk were invited to design and complete the route remotely and creatively in whatever ways convenient for them within the event period. The event culminated on Sunday 13 November with a virtual announcement on SAC’s social media channels. The fundraising link (https://go.sparkraise.com/aidswalk2022) is still available until 31 December 2022. Proceeds raised through the walk will go to support SAC’s programs and services to provide high quality direct patient care services to PLHIV including drug supervision, therapeutic counseling, psychological support, physiotherapy, physical training, peers support, public education and volunteer training.

“We are extremely grateful for all the corporate sponsors, supporting organization, individual donors, students and VIP guests that committed continuously to our AIDS charity Walk. In the past 20 years, the walk has inspired thousands of individuals from around the world and helped to eliminate the misunderstanding and discrimination against AIDS,” said by Ms. Nichole Garnaut, Chairperson of SAC. “It was amazing and heart-warming to see participants staying creatively active in an effort to raise money on behalf of our organization during such a difficult time. We might walk separately but together we make a difference.”

“I would also like to thank the Walk sponsors and supporting organizations for their generous donations, including Goldman Sachs, Gilead Science, PricewaterhouseCoopers, OKAMOTO, J.P. Morgan, Simple Approach, Cassian Lau, Sim’s Sweet, Mentholatum and The Upper House,” Ms. Nichole Garnaut continued. “I am so proud and grateful for every single participants, donors, supporters and staff members who made this event such a huge success. It is because of them that we can continue to fight against this severe illness as well as in raising awareness for the prevention of an AIDS epidemic.”
 

“It's been almost three years since the outbreak of COVID-19 was first reported in Hong Kong. As we thought the situation has slightly stabilized, the fifth wave of the epidemic has hit us harder than expected. Being the first non-governmental organization in Asia providing high quality direct patient care services, we stay at the forefront to ensure a safe environment for our patient members, upholding the highest standard of professionalism,” stated Ms. Alice Chan, CEO of SAC. “I would like to take this opportunity to give my gratitude to all our partners and supporters whose unfailing support has helped us strengthen and expand our services over the years.”

In June 2022, the United Nation has released that if the international community reaches the target of 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status, 3.6 million new HIV-infections and 1.7 million AIDS-related deaths will be prevented by 2030. “At SAC, we continue to provide free HIV and syphilis testing with professional counselling to women in need. If someone is suspicious of one’s own HIV infection, conventional test taking blood from vein or rapid HIV antibody test can help to do the screening. However, as there is a need for the people to go for testing in person, some people are reluctant to participate in the testing as they avoid facing the testing staff,” Ms. Alice Chan explained. “Therefore, we launched a HIV self-testing program using non-invasive oral swab aims to improve the awareness of HIV testing. We hope these initiatives can compensate for testing and diagnoses missed during the COVID-19 outbreak and to accelerate the mission to end the AIDS epidemic.

According to statistics by the Department of Health, there were 125 cases of new infections in second quarter of 2022, accumulating to a total of 11,442 cases since 1984. Nearly 80% of the cases acquired the infections via sexual contact. Most patients under SAC’s care suffer HIV infection were unknowing of its cause at the time. Some of these cases include mother-to-child transmission, spouses infecting each other and tainted blood transfusion. As to encourage the public to participate in HIV testing, we launched a HIV self-testing program using non-invasive oral swab aims to improve the awareness of HIV testing. The advantage for it be performed at a private place at any time. Through this program, we hope to promote the importance of early testing, early treatment.
 

Each year, on 1 December, the world commemorates World AIDS Day, which is regarded as the longest-running disease awareness initiative of its kind in the history of public health. Unfortunately, there is still no vaccine, and no cure for HIV infection. To commemorate this day, The Society for AIDS Care (SAC) continued its signature “Red Day” campaign. Under this theme, we urged the public to wear Red on World AIDS Day to show their support for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). Awareness and prevention go hand in hand. We aimed to raise public awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention, to encourage wider acceptance on PLHIV, and to fight prejudice and improve education of HIV/AIDS.

From 27 to 28 November, we organized a public roadshow at Yau Tsim Mong District, to showcase the art pieces made by PLHIV. Led by registered expressive art therapist, our patient members made artistic creations through different media for expressing their inner suppression due to their illness and COVID-19 epidemic. They made use of own creativity in fascinating mask design to express personal feelings and bring encouragement to the community. Other activities such as an exhibition to introduce the services of SAC and information on our unique women phone-in hotline and free HIV & Syphilis testing, red ribbon interaction zone and photo area were also held during the event.

According to the Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health figures in 2020, Hong Kong reported that more than 126 new cases in each quarter in average, meaning that about 1.4 persons get diagnosed each day. Most patients under SAC’s care suffer HIV infection were unknowing of its cause at the time. Some of these cases include mother-to-child transmission, spouses infecting each other and tainted blood transfusion. These patients live under constant stress of HIV stigma and discrimination, driving them to live alone, isolated and burdened by their HIV status.

In Hong Kong, stigma remains a significant barrier to HIV testing. If a person is suspicious of one’s own HIV infection, conventional test taking blood from vein or rapid HIV antibody test can help to do the screening. However, as there is a need for the people to go for testing in person, some people are reluctant to participate in the testing as they avoid facing the testing staff. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic continued to threaten access to HIV prevention and testing. For this reason, we launched a HIV self-testing program using non-invasive oral swab aims to improve the awareness of HIV testing. The advantage for it can be performed at a private place at any time.

Every December is HIV/AIDS awareness month. It is the perfect time to reflect on how far we have achieved the goal of ending this pandemic once and for all. The Society for AIDS Care once again appealed for everyone in Hong Kong to participate in the “Red Day” Campaign. Through their active participation, we hope to reduce discrimination against PLHIV. Therefore, they can seek proper help without fear, and feel better prepared to re-integrate back to the community.

Media Enquiry：
Fundraising & Communications Manager, Ms. Yan Lee
Telephone: 2559 2006 / Email: pr@aidscare.com.hk
 

The Society for AIDS Care (SAC) organized the annual AIDS Charity Walk to promote HIV/AIDS acceptance and to reinforce the importance of supporting people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). Like last year, it continued as virtual walk to adhere pandemic health and safety protocols while raising money for a great cause. In the month of October to mid-November, near 700 participants joined together to appeal for all sectors of the public to be aware that PLHIV should seek proper treatment without fear of discrimination or being turned away due to their HIV status. Together, we “Say No to Discrimination!”

Second year of the COVID-19 pandemic has opened another opportunity to organize the walk. This new perspective has led us to change the walk format from one-day physical event at the Peak, Hong Kong to a virtual event. Corporates, families, students and individuals who registered for the walk were invited to design and complete the route remotely and creatively in whatever ways convenient for them within the event period. The event culminated on Sunday 21 November with a virtual announcement on SAC’s social media channels. The fundraising link (https://go.sparkraise.com/aids-walk-2021) is still available until 31 December 2021. Proceeds raised through the walk will go to support SAC’s programs and services to provide high quality direct patient care services to PLHIV including drug supervision, therapeutic counseling, psychological support, physiotherapy, physical training, peers support, public education and volunteer training.

“Last year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we foresee virtual event will become the new trend. Offering our annual charity walk virtually, it allowed individuals across the globe to come together and make a difference,” said by Mr. Christopher Jackson, the Co-chairman of AIDS Walk and Board Member of SAC. “It was amazing and heart-warming to see participants staying creatively active in an effort to raise money on behalf of our organization during such a difficult time.”

“I would also like to thank the Walk sponsors and supporting organizations for their generous donations, including Gilead Science, J.P. Morgan, PricewaterhouseCoopers, OKAMOTO, JOYCE, Simple Approach, Sim’s Sweet, Mentholatum and The Upper House,” Mr. Christopher Jackson continued. “I am so proud and grateful for every single participants, donors, supporters and staff members who made this event such a huge success. It is because of them that we can continue to fight against this severe illness as well as in raising awareness for the prevention of an AIDS epidemic.”
 

“Almost two years have passed, the situation of COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong has slightly stabilized in the past months. Being the first non-governmental organization in Asia providing high quality direct patient care services, we stay at the forefront to ensure a safe environment for our patient members, upholding the highest standard of professionalism,” stated Ms. Alice Chan, CEO of SAC. “I would like to take this opportunity to give my gratitude to all our partners and supporters whose unfailing support has helped us strengthen and expand our services over the years.”

With decades of experience and medical breakthroughs, evidences show that HIV treatment is highly effective in reducing the transmission of HIV infection, and result in viral load suppression which prevents the spread of HIV. Nevertheless, HIV-related stigma and discrimination are persistent barriers to addressing the AIDS epidemic. “Reduction of Stigma and Discrimination of AIDS is still something in need to be addressed urgently in Hong Kong. Many patients live under constant stress of HIV stigma and discrimination, driving them to live behind an invisible mask to protect their identities,” Ms. Alice Chan explained. “At SAC, we continue to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment for patient members to participate in various activities and meet their peers. We also encouraged members to care themselves and each other; develop diversified interests to improve their quality of life and hence live with a happy life.”

According to statistics by the Department of Health, there were 131 cases of new infections in second quarter of 2021, accumulating to a total of 11,017 cases since 1984. Nearly 80% of the cases acquired the infections via sexual contact. Most patients under SAC’s care suffer HIV infection were unknowing of its cause at the time. Some of these cases include mother-to-child transmission, spouses infecting each other and tainted blood transfusion. As to encourage the public to participate in HIV testing, we launched a HIV self-testing program using non-invasive oral swab aims to improve the awareness of HIV testing. The advantage for it be performed at a private place at any time. Through this program, we hope to promote the importance of early testing, early treatment.
 

HONG KONG, 30 November 2020 - Established by the World Health Organization, World AIDS Day designated on 1 December every year, is dedicated to raise public awareness towards HIV/AIDS knowledge. The stigma associated with AIDS and HIV infection has long been recognized as a significant barrier in the worldwide fight against HIV/AIDS. World AIDS Day is an opportunity to show solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV worldwide. Most people do this by wearing an HIV awareness red ribbon on the day. Some people do this by getting HIV tested.

According to the figures in 2019, the Centre for Health Protection of Department of Health reported that HIV cumulative cases was over 10,000 (10,550 cases) in Hong Kong. And there are more than 140 new cases in each quarter in average, meaning that about 1.6 persons get diagnosed each day, in which 80% of the cases acquired the infections via sexual contact. In Hong Kong, stigma remains a significant barrier to HIV testing. If a person is suspicious of one’s own HIV infection, conventional test taking blood from vein or rapid HIV antibody test can help to do the screening. However, as there is a need for the people to go for testing in person, some people are reluctant to participate in the testing as they avoid facing the testing staff. For this reason, our Society launched a HIV self-testing program using non-invasive oral swab aims to improve the awareness of HIV testing. The advantage for it can be performed at a private place at any time.

Every year on World AIDS Day, we urge the public to talk openly about HIV, which can help normalize the subject, correct misconceptions and understand more about HIV. To echo this annual international event, we now offer a buy 1 get 1 free HIV testing kit promotion during December for HK$150, you will get 2 OraQuick® oral fluid test kits plus 10 condoms! Buy now and get tested: http://tiny.cc/SACHIVTest. Together we make a difference!

Media Enquiry：
Fundraising & Communications Manager, Ms. Yan Lee
Telephone: 2559 2006 / Email: pr@aidscare.com.hk
 

The Society for AIDS Care (SAC) has wrapped up the first ever month-long Virtual AIDS Charity Walk. During the month of October, over 600 people across Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore and Indonesia joined together to support people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), and to appeal for all sectors of the public to be aware that PLHIV should seek proper treatment without fear of discrimination or being turned away due to their HIV status. Together, we “Say No to Discrimination”

The annual charity walk changed from a one-day physical walk at the Peak, Hong Kong to a virtual event in order to keep participants safe while social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Corporates, families, students and individuals who registered for the walk were invited to design and complete the route remotely and creatively in whatever ways convenient for them within the event period. The event culminated Sunday 8 November with a virtual announcement on SAC’s social media channels. The fundraising link (http://bit.ly/sparkraise-for-aidswalk-2020) is still available until 31 December 2020. All raised fund will support SAC to provide high quality direct patient care services to PLHIV.

“We are extremely grateful for all the corporate sponsors, supporting organization, individual donors, students and VIP guests that remained committed to our AIDS charity Walk after we changed the event to virtual format in response to the novel coronavirus,” said by Mr. Christopher Jackson, the Co-chairman of AIDS Walk and Board Member of SAC. “It was amazing and heart-warming to see participants staying creatively active in an effort to raise money on behalf of our organization during such a difficult time.”

“I would also like to thank the Walk sponsors and supporting organizations for their generous donations, including Gilead Science, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Baker Mackenzie, PricewaterhouseCoopers, JOYCE Group, Marathon Sport, Simple Approach, Sim’s Sweet, Sweaty Betty and The Upper House,” Mr. Christopher Jackson continued. “In addition, without knowing the walk date would change, for the first time we held a social event to celebrate the walk on 21 January 2020 and the event was fully sponsored by the Upper House. The pre-walk party was declared a spectacular success.”
 

“It has been a year full of challenges with the human tragedy of COVID-19 pandemic but this event is an opportunity to share encouragement and inspiration during such a difficult time,” stated Ms. Alice Chan, CEO of SAC. “Since the first reported case in late December last year, our team has immediately arranged support and stepped-in to provide our patient members with sufficient protection.”

According to statistics by the Department of Health, there were 141 cases of new infections in second quarter of 2020, accumulating to a total of 10,550 cases since 1984. Nearly 80% of the cases acquired the infections via sexual contact. “At SAC, we continue to provide free HIV and syphilis testing with professional counselling to women in need. If someone is suspicious of one’s own HIV infection, conventional test taking blood from vein or rapid HIV antibody test can help to do the screening. However, as there is a need for the people to go for testing in person, some people are reluctant to participate in the testing as they avoid facing the testing staff,” Ms. Alice Chan explained. “Therefore, we launched a HIV self-testing program using non-invasive oral swab aims to improve the awareness of HIV testing. The advantage for it be performed at a private place at any time. Through this program, we hope to promote the importance of early testing, early treatment.”

Most patients under SAC’s care suffer HIV infection were unknowing of its cause at the time. Some of these cases include mother-to-child transmission, spouses infecting each other and tainted blood transfusion. These patients live under constant stress of HIV stigma and discrimination, driving them to live behind an invisible mask to protect their identities. SAC has been providing direct quality service to meet the needs of PLHIV and their care givers since 1994. The services are provided with the team of experienced nurses, social workers, counselors and physiotherapist to re-build the lives of PLHIV and facilitate full community integration.
 

Established by the World Health Organization in 1988, World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year, is dedicated to raise public awareness towards HIV/AIDS knowledge. To echo this annual international event, The Society for AIDS Care (SAC) launches an innovative mobile application, “Know More about AIDS”, to urge the public to learn about HIV/AIDS knowledge, to spread the messages about HIV prevention and acceptance of people living with HIV (PLHIV), as well as to “Stop AIDS with Love”.

Through the “Know More about AIDS” mobile application, we hope to invite the public to learn more about HIV and AIDS, as well as the challenges PLHIV faced, in order to eliminate misconceptions and discrimination. A creative animation is featured in the mobile application, with the messages on HIV Undetectable viral load are Untransmittable (U=U) and our mother-to-child transmission prevention program. The main point of this amination is to appeal for all to understand that PLHIV should seek proper treatment without fear of discrimination or being turned away due to their HIV status. Furthermore, two 360-degree virtual reality (VR) photos of our Day Centre are displayed on the mobile application under SAC services. The VR photos allow audiences to visualize our Centre from the first person’s perspective, in order to get a better understanding of our professional services. In addition, a HIV self-testing questionnaire is available, as we hope to empower young women and their partners to adopt safer sex practices, conduct HIV testing and to learn about HIV transmission.

From 28 November to 29 November, we organized a public roadshow to introduce our services at different locations across Hong Kong. SAC red ribbon, information on our unique women phone-in hotline and free HIV & Syphilis testing and other services were also distributed during the event. We are pleased to kick off the launch of our “Know More about AIDS” amination at our roadshow event. We proudly announce that the animation has been successfully applied for government’s Announcements in Public Interests (API), which will be broadcasted in all free-to-air television networks in Hong Kong. From 28 November to 29 November, we organized a public roadshow to introduce our services at different locations across Hong Kong. SAC red ribbon, information on our unique women phone-in hotline and free HIV & Syphilis testing and other services were also distributed during the event. We are pleased to kick off the launch of our “Know More about AIDS” amination at our roadshow event. We proudly announce that the animation has been successfully applied for government’s Announcements in Public Interests (API), which will be broadcasted in all free-to-air television networks in Hong Kong.

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health has released the latest quarterly figures on the local HIV/AIDS situation in the third quarter of 2019. It showed that there were 435 new HIV infections, and the cumulative total of reported HIV infections are 10,150 since 1984. Some of these cases include mother-to-child transmission, spouses infecting each other and tainted blood transfusion. These patients live under constant stress of HIV stigma and discrimination, driving them to live alone, isolated and burdened by their HIV status.

The Society for AIDS Care once again appealed for everyone in Hong Kong to show their support. Through their active participation, we hope to reduce discrimination against PLHIV. Therefore, PLHIV can seek proper help without fear, and feel better prepared to re-integrate back to the community.

According to statistics by the Department of Health, there were 624 cases of new infections in 2018, accumulating to a total of 9,715 cases since 1984. Today, The Society for AIDS Care (SAC) organized the AIDS Charity Walk cum Mask Design Contest Award Ceremony at the Peak. Celebrities Ms. Kristal Tin, Ms. Candice Yu, Mr. Chui Tien-you, Mr. Michael Wong’s family, Mr. Ling Man Lung, and Ms. Ankie Beilke attended the ceremony as SAC Ambassadors. Co-chairperson of AIDS Walk, Mr. Christopher Jackson and emcee Mr. William Lam reinforced the importance of supporting people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) and to appeal for all sectors of the public to be aware that PLHIV should seek proper treatment without fear of discrimination or being turned away due to their HIV status. Together, we “Say No to Discrimination!” Other guests such as Ms. Oliver Chen, Ms. Crisel Consunji and Mr. Himmy Wong from movie “Still Human”; Ms. Rosa Maria Velasco and Ms. Rachel Leung and fashion celebrities also attend to the event.

Ms. Kristal Tin hoped that AIDS Walk could help to eliminate the misunderstanding and discrimination against AIDS, as well as showed care and acceptance to PLHIV. Ms. Tin appreciated SAC’s direct patient services to those in need. And was happy to walk with PLHIV and helped them reintegrate into the society. She also introduced the Women Hotline and Free HIV Testing Service which is operated by experienced nurse and social worker to answer women's enquiries on HIV. It helps those women who are lack of knowledge on HIV prevention.

Ms. Candice Yu has joined the Walk to support PLHIV for the third consecutive year. She mentioned that SAC is the only charitable organization which looks after HIV+ children. She also introduced SAC’s Mother-to-child Transmission Prevention Program which successfully eliminated HIV in 39 new infants from HIV positive mothers under care. Mr. Ling Man Lung pointed out the importance of acceptance for PLHIV so that they can seek help without discrimination. He also promoted SAC’s annual Mask Design Contest and said that there are over 2,000 submissions from 100 local secondary school students and public with the theme of “Say No to Discrimination.” He mentioned that all shortlisted and winning submissions were also on display at Peak Galleria and along the walking route to promote acceptance towards PLHIV who are fighting this severe disease alone.

The Co-chairman of AIDS Walk and Board Director of The Society for AIDS Care, Mr. Christopher Jackson stated that SAC has joined with over 100 countries and 800 organizations to declare HIV Undetectable Viral Load is Untransmittable (U=U). And pleased to announce patients under our care have already achieving over 90% undetectable rate. This is vital in controlling further HIV transmission in Hong Kong. He also thanked the Walk sponsors and supporting organizations for their generous donations, including Gilead Science, Dayton Industrial, J.P. Morgan, Clifford Chance, OKAMOTO, Baker Mackenzie, Credit Suisse, HK01, JOYCE Group, #Legend, Marathon Sport, MTR, Simple Approach, Sim’s Sweet and Swire Coca-Cola HK.

AIDS Walk took place at The Peak this year with the route from Harlech Road to Lugard Road. Over 600 participants wore the masks designed by students and public of the Mask Design Contest and completed the Walk despite the bad weather. The Mask Design Contest Award Ceremony was also held at the opening ceremony of AIDS Walk to acknowledge the winners’ and their works.

Most patients under SAC’s care suffer HIV infection were unknowing of its cause at the time. Some of these cases include mother-to-child transmission, spouses infecting each other and tainted blood transfusion. These patients live under constant stress of HIV stigma and discrimination, driving them to live behind an invisible mask to protect their identities. SAC has been providing direct quality service to meet the needs of PLHIV and their care givers since 1994. The services are provided with the team of experienced nurses, social workers, counselors and physiotherapist to re-build the lives of PLHIV and facilitate full community integration.

World AIDS Day has been observed on 1 December every year. To commemorate this day, The Society for AIDS Care (SAC) continued its signature “Red Day” campaign. Under this theme, we urged the public to wear Red on World AIDS Day to show their support for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). Awareness and prevention go hand in hand. We aimed to raise public awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention, to encourage wider acceptance on people living with HIV/AIDS, and to build up “Zero Infection for the Next Generation”.

Renowned artists Ms. Annie Liu, Ms. Catherine Chau, Ms. Gaile Lai and Ms. Jade Leung have participated in our campaign by dressing Red and holding our red ribbon showing “I promise, I will not discriminate against People Living with HIV/AIDS” in the campaign photo. Their messages aim to facilitate better understanding on HIV/AIDS, help reducing discrimination and empowering the public by promoting the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness.

Today (1 December), we organized a public roadshow to introduce the services of SAC and invite the public to take a photo with our Red Ribbon at Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui (opposite to Haiphong Road Temporary Market cum Cooked Food Hawker Bazaar), at the junction of Argyle Street & Shanghai Street, Mongkok (outside Langham Place) and at Argyle Street, Mongkok (outside Mongkok MTR Station Exit C). Red ribbon, information on SAC’s AIDS enquiry hotline and free HIV & Syphilis testing and introduction of our services were also distributed during the event.

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health has released the latest quarterly figures on the local HIV/AIDS situation in the third quarter of 2018. It showed that there were 156 new HIV infections, and the cumulative total of reported HIV infections are 9,543 since 1984 while the confirmed AIDS cases reported are 1,959 since 1985. Despite various efforts conducted, many patients are not ready to disclose their positive identity to even their families and partners.

Fear of discrimination deter these patients to enjoy the same social rights as the others, as a result, many patients choose to live in isolation, some prefer to break away from their normal social circle and a lot of families are faced with shame, anger and uncertainties of their future lives.

The Society for AIDS Care once again appealed for everyone in Hong Kong to participate in the “Red Day” Campaign. Through their active participation, we hope to reduce discrimination against PLHIV. Therefore, PLHIV can seek proper help without fear, and feel better prepared to re-integrate back to the community.

According to statistics by the Department of Health, there were 681 cases of new infections in 2017, accumulating to a total of 9,091 cases since 1984. Today, The Society for AIDS Care (SAC) organized the AIDS Charity Walk cum Mask Design Contest Award Ceremony at the Peak. Celebrities Ms. Annie Lau, Ms. Candice Yu, Mr. Michael Wong and his family members and Ms. Ankie Beilke attended the ceremony as SAC Ambassadors. Co-chairperson of AIDS Walk, Mr. Christopher Jackson and emcee Mr. William Lam reinforced the importance of supporting people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) and to achieve the goal of “Zero Infection for the Next Generation” together. Other guests such as Mr. Andrew Pong, Mr. Adrian Chau, Mr. Sheldon Lo and fashion celebrities also attend to the event.

Ms. Candice Yu also attended the Walk to support PLHIV. Ms. Yu appreciated SAC’s direct patient services to those in need. And was happy to walk with PLHIV and helped them reintegrate into the society. She also introduced the Women Hotline and Free HIV Testing Service which is operated by experienced nurse and social worker to answer women's enquiries on HIV. It helps those women who are lack of knowledge on HIV prevention. The Co-chairman of AIDS Walk and Board Director of The Society for AIDS Care, Mr. Christopher Jackson stated that we have provided services for over 1,230 cases in the last 23 years. And without the support of our donors and corporates that devote their time and effort, all of the good work cannot be achieved.

Most patients under SAC’s care suffer HIV infection were unknowing of its cause at the time. Some of these cases include mother-to-child transmission, spouses infecting each other and tainted blood transfusion. These patients live under constant stress of HIV stigma and discrimination, driving them to live behind an invisible mask to protect their identities. SAC has been providing direct quality service to meet the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and their care givers since 1994. The services are provided with the team of experienced nurses, social workers, counselors and physiotherapist to re-build the lives of PLHIV and facilitate full community integration.
 

Established by the World Health Organization in 1988, World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year, is dedicated to raise public awareness towards HIV/AIDS knowledge. To echo this annual international event, the Society for AIDS Care (SAC) continued its signature “Red Day” campaign. Under the theme “Stop AIDS with Love” this year, we urged the public to learn about HIV/AIDS knowledge, eliminate the stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) and to build up “Zero Infection for the Next Generation”.

SAC has kick-started the campaign this September. Our team visited different districts in Hong Kong and invited the public to leave encouraging messages to PLHIV. Today (26 November 2017), we organized a public roadshow exhibition to showcase the art pieces made by PLHIV at Haiphong road, Tsim Sha Tsui (opposite to Haiphong Road Temporary Market cum Cooked Food Hawker Bazaar) and at Portland Street, MongKok (walkway next to Langham Place Cinema City). Other activities such as an exhibition to introduce the services of SAC, red ribbon interaction zone and photo area were also held during the roadshow.

Local music band, Supper Moment, renowned artists Ms. Catherine Chau and Ms. Macy Chan have shown their support to PLHIV by participating in the campaign videos. Their messages aim to facilitate better understanding on HIV/AIDS, help reducing discrimination and promote acceptance with positive attitude towards PLHIV to the public.

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health has just released the latest quarterly figures on the local HIV/AIDS situation in the third quarter of 2017. It showed that there were 153 new HIV infections and the cumulative total of reported HIV infections are 8,952 since 1984. Most patients under SAC’s care suffer HIV infection were unknowing of its cause at the time. Some of these cases include mother-to-child transmission, spouses infecting each other and tainted blood transfusion. These patients live under constant stress of HIV stigma and discrimination, driving them to live alone, isolated and burdened by their HIV status.

The Society for AIDS Care once again appealed for everyone in Hong Kong to participate in the “RED Day” Campaign. Through their active participation, we hope to reduce discrimination against PLHIV. Therefore, PLHIV can seek proper help without fear, and feel better prepared to re-integrate back to the community.

According to statistics by the Department of Health, there were 692 cases of new infections in 2016, accumulating to a total of 8,410 cases since 1984. Today, The Society for AIDS Care (SAC) organized the AIDS Charity Walk cum Mask Design Contest Award Ceremony at the Peak. Celebrities Ms. Candice Yu, Mr. Michael Wong and his family members Ms. Janet Ma, Miss Kayla Wong and Mr. Kadin Miles Wong attended the ceremony as SAC Ambassadors. Co-chairperson of AIDS Walk, Mr. Christopher Jackson and emcee Mr. William Lam reinforced the importance of supporting people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and to achieve the goal of “Zero Infection for the Next Generation” together.

Ms. Candice Yu hoped that AIDS Walk could help to eliminate the misunderstanding and discrimination against AIDS, as well as showed care and acceptance to PLWHA. She also introduced SAC’s Mother-to-child Transmission Prevention Program which successfully eliminated HIV in 33 new infants from HIV positive mothers under care.

Mr. Michael Wong, Ms. Janet Ma, Miss Kayla Wong and Mr. Kadin Miles Wong also attended the Walk to support PLWHA. Mr. Wong appreciated SAC’s direct patient services to those in need. Ms. Ma was happy to walk with PLWHA and helped them reintegrate into the society. She also introduced the Women Hotline and Free HIV Testing Service which is operated by experienced nurse and social worker to answer women’s enquiries on HIV. It helps those women who are lack of knowledge on HIV prevention.

AIDS Walk took place at The Peak this year with the route from Harlech Road to Lugard Road. More than 500 participants wore the masks designed by students and public of the Mask Design Contest and completed the Walk. The Mask Design Contest Award Ceremony was also held at the kick-off of AIDS Walk to acknowledge the winners’ and their works. There are over 2,500 submissions from local secondary school students and public with the theme of “Say No to Discrimination!” All shortlisted and winning submissions were also on display at Peak Galleria and along the walking route to promote acceptance towards PLWHA who are fighting this severe disease alone.

Most patients under SAC’s care suffer HIV infection were unknowing of its cause at the time. Some of these cases include mother-to-child transmission, spouses infecting each other and tainted blood transfusion. These patients live under constant stress of HIV stigma and discrimination, driving them to live behind an invisible mask to protect their identities. SAC has been providing direct quality service to meet the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and their care givers since 1994. The services are provided with the team of experienced nurses, social workers, counselors and physiotherapist to re-build the lives of PLWHA and facilitate full community integration.

To commemorate the annual World AIDS Day on 1 December, The Society for AIDS Care organized the “Red Day Kick-off @ World AIDS Day Memorial Ceremony” today (November 27) at the Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard, Tsim Sha Tsui. Officiating at the ceremony were Prof. Sophia Chan Siu-chee, Under Secretary for Food and Health; Ms. Alice Chan Lai-hing, Chief Executive Officer of The Society for AIDS Care (SAC); and renowned artist Miss Lisa Ch’ng, SAC Ambassador.

SAC has invited the author of “Funny Clinic” Jumbo Pig to specially design a tee, a tiny plushie and a tote bag for Red Day this year which all carried the symbolic red ribbon. It aims to promote the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness as well as eliminate the stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Without discrimination and misunderstanding, people in need could be more willing to seek help and proper treatment. It helps to stop the spread of the virus thus build a HIV-free and zero AIDS deaths future. The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health has released the quarterly figures on the local HIV/AIDS situation in the second quarter of 2016. It showed that there were 188 new HIV infections. The cumulative total of reported HIV infections are 8,053 since 1984 while the confirmed AIDS cases reported are 1,700 since 1985.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Alice Chan, Chief Executive Officer of SAC, thanked artist Jumbo Pig who specially designed a series of red items for Red Day. She hoped that public awareness on HIV would be increased and anti-stigma message would be spread widely through this popular icon. She encouraged the public to wear these items on World AIDS Day (December 1) to show ones care as well as to help empower the public by promoting the importance of HIV awareness. She also emphasized that we should be aware of the rising epidemic of HIV in Hong Kong especially in the younger generation and should all join hands to stop the spread of HIV.

Prof. Sophia Chan, the Under Secretary for Food and Health, mentioned that to fight HIV/AIDS and helped those people living with it, it was necessary to enhance public awareness and eliminate misunderstanding about the disease and prejudice against the infected so as to encourage people who were suspected of being infected by HIV to take testing as early as possible and to receive timely treatment as appropriate. She believed that SAC would keep up its efforts and the community would continue to benefit from its hard work in the future.

A catwalk show featured 13 award-winning masks performed by students from Hotung Secondary School was organized at the ceremony. Hotung Secondary School was the winner of the Most Active Participating School Award for 2015-16 Mask Design Contest. With the theme “Say No to Discrimination”, participants from secondary schools and public were invited to learn about HIV/AIDS and the challenges PLWHA faced through creating masks, thus to eliminate misconception on HIV/AIDS and discrimination. Other activities such as an exhibition to introduce the services of SAC and the HIV/AIDS situation in Hong Kong, red ribbon DIY corner, face painting and game booth were also held during the event.

According to statistics by the Department of Health, there were 725 cases of new infections in 2015, accumulating to a total of 7,718 cases since 1984. The number of HIV infection keeps rising in the past years. Today, The Society for AIDS Care (SAC) organized the AIDS Charity Walk cum Mask Design Contest Award Ceremony. Famous actress Miss Jacquelin Ch’ng and Miss Asia Pageant Elizabeth Lai attended the ceremony as SAC Ambassadors. Emcee Mr. William Lam and Co-chairperson of AIDS Walk, Mr. Christopher Jackson, reinforced the importance of supporting people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and to achieve the goal of “Zero Infection for the Next Generation”.

Miss Jacquelin Ch’ng pointed out the importance of acceptance for PLWHA so that they can seek help without discrimination. She hoped AIDS Walk could help to eliminate the misunderstanding and discrimination against AIDS and brought love and care to PLWHA. She also mentioned that SAC is the only charitable organization which looks after HIV+ children and devoted oneself to ensure babies are born free of HIV.

Miss Elizabeth Lai said that currently there are no definitive effective cure that can completely eradicate HIV virus, therefore it was important to prevent children from being infected and avoid them to become chronic patients that need life-long treatment. Miss Lai also shared the effectiveness of SAC’s “Mother-to-child Transmission Prevention” Intervention Program in which 32 healthy babies were born HIV-free to date.

AIDS Walk took place at The Peak this year with the route from Harlech Road to Lugard Road. Over 500 participants wore the masks designed by students and public of the Mask Design Contest and completed the Walk despite the bad weather. The Mask Design Contest Award Ceremony was also held at the opening ceremony of AIDS Walk to acknowledge the winners’ and their works. All shortlisted and winning submissions were also on display in Peak Galleria and along the walking route to promote acceptance towards PLWHA who are fighting this severe disease alone.

Most patients under SAC’s care suffer HIV infection were unknowing of its cause at the time. Some of these cases include mother-to-child transmission, spouses infecting each other and tainted blood transfusion. These patients live under constant stress of HIV stigma and discrimination, driving them to live behind an invisible mask to protect their identities. The Society for AIDS Care has been providing direct quality service to meet the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and their care givers since 1994. The services are provided with the team of experienced nurses, social workers, counselors and physiotherapist to re-build the lives of PLWHA and facilitate full community integration.

To acknowledge M∙A∙C AIDS Fund and its generous donation, HK$500,000, to The Society for AIDS Care (SAC), a cheque presentation ceremony was held on 23 February at M∙A∙C Store, Times Square, Causeway Bay. This is the ninth year that M∙A∙C AIDS Fund supports SAC, therefore, the organizer had invited Ambassador of SAC, Miss Niki Chow, Brand Manager of M∙A∙C Hong Kong, Ms Kelly Park; and Chairperson of Board of Directors of SAC, Ms. Nichole Garnaut.

During the ceremony, the Brand Manager of M∙A∙C Hong Kong, Kelly Park mentioned M∙A∙C AIDS Fund, the heart and soul of M∙A∙C, is committed to addressing the link between poverty and HIV/AIDS by supporting diverse organizations around the world to provide a wide range of services to people living with HIV/AIDS. Kelly also updated the latest record of M∙A∙C AIDS Fund, which is more than $400 million (U.S.). She emphasized that the key of the impressive record is all coming from the full support of M.A.C artists, she truly appreciated the efforts that all M. A. C artists made.

The Chairperson of Board of Directors of SAC, Nichole Garnaut, pointed out the number of reported HIV infection increased in these few years. The figure indicated that more than 2 people were infected each day. The rising numbers were alarming and showing the increase demand of SAC services. Nichole said that SAC was very honored to be fully supported by M.A.C. and their generous donation of HK$500,000 through M.A.C AIDS Fund this year again. She also thanked the artists of M.A.C for their commitment which surely helped to promote HIV prevention and fight the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.

The Ambassador of SAC, Niki Chow was very impressed with the services that SAC provided for people living with HIV/AIDS, like home care service, physiotherapy service and day care center. Besides, it is the only organization provides Prevention of Mother-to-child Transmission Program and, as of today, have a 100% success rate. She encouraged the public continue to support the services of SAC and VIVA GLAM Lipstick and Lipglass of the brand.

For appreciation of the effort from M.A.C artists, Niki presented certificates to the top three VIVA GLAM ambassadors during the ceremony and appreciated their contributions to the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund by delivering the professional makeup service with VIVA GLAM collection as well as the message of concerning HIV /AIDS.

The “Express CARE in Words” activity was also held today at the Covered Piazza at Times Square, Causeway Bay, to allow public to learn more about SAC. There were instant photo booth, video recording session and exhibition to introduce the services provided by SAC.

In addition, the new Women Phone-in Hotline and Free HIV Testing Service was also included at the exhibition. Up to the third quarter of 2015, approximately one in five people living with HIV in Hong Kong are women (19.6%, 1475/7534) despite the fact that women will not go for regular HIV testing in general. SAC provides the unique HIV care service looks after around 30% of female who are mostly infected from their spouses and are mostly late diagnosed cases with serious complications. Some are only diagnosed after their spouse passed away. This new hotline, administered by experienced AIDS prevention nurse and social worker, aims to support those who have less awareness of HIV prevention and provide free HIV testing service for women. It fills the service gap in prevention advocacy in women in Hong Kong.

Background of M∙A∙C AIDS Fund
The M∙A∙C AIDS Fund, the heart and soul of M∙A∙C Cosmetics, was established in 1994 to support men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally. M∙A∙C AIDS Fund is a pioneer in HIV/AIDS funding, providing financial support to organizations working with underserved regions and populations. Recently recognized by Funders Concerned About AIDS as the top corporate giver in the arena, M∙A∙C AIDS Fund is committed to addressing the link between poverty and HIV/AIDS by supporting diverse organizations around the world that provide a wide range of services to people living with HIV/AIDS. To date, M∙A∙C AIDS Fund has raised more than $400 million (U.S.) exclusively through the sale of M∙A∙C’s VIVA GLAM Lipstick and Lipglass donating 100 percent of the sale price to fight HIV/AIDS. There are two versions of VIVA GLAM available in all M.A.C stores and counters in Hong Kong, one of the versions is the latest with the new VIVA GLAM ambassador, Ariana Grande, who is the international singer from America, it will be official available on 26th February. For more information, visit www.macaidsfund.org

Background of The Society for AIDS Care
The Society for AIDS Care established in November 1994, is a community-based and non-profit making charitable organization. It is the first non-governmental organization in Asia providing high quality direct patient care services to children, adults and elderly people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and their care-givers in the community. Our professional service team consists of nurses, social workers, counselors and physiotherapists. We provide both outreach and center-based services on care and prevention of HIV/AIDS, including drug supervision, therapeutic counseling, psychological support, physiotherapy, physical training, peers support, public education and volunteers training. We are committed to provide professional care services to PLWHA to strengthen their self-care ability, build up their self-confidence and vision of positive living, so as to facilitate full community reintegration.

To commemorate the annual World AIDS Day on 1st December, The Society for AIDS Care organized the “Red Day @ World AIDS Day Memorial Ceremony” today at the Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard, Tsim Sha Tsui. Officiating at the ceremony were Dr. Ko Wing-man, the Secretary for Food and Health; Mr. Christopher Jackson and Dr. Andrew Yuen, Board Directors of The Society for AIDS Care. They urged the public to learn about HIV/AIDS knowledge, eliminate the stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and to build up “Zero Infection for the Next Generation”.

Talented rising stars Miss Cecilia So, Mr. Neo Yau and Singer-songwriter Mr. Phil Lam also attended as the new Ambassadors of The Society for AIDS Care. Three ambassadors together with emcee Mr. William Lam wore red tee today to support the event and donated red items for the Red Day Bazaar. They hoped to help empower the public by promoting the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness and raise money for the direct care services provided by The Society for AIDS Care.

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health has released the latest quarterly figures on the local HIV/AIDS situation in the third quarter of 2015. It showed that there were 189 new HIV infections, the second highest quarterly number since records began. The cumulative total of reported HIV infections are 7534 since 1984 while the confirmed AIDS cases reported are 1626 since 1985. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Ko Wing-man, the Secretary for Food and Health, mentioned that some PLWHA were afraid of the discriminations from others or worried about the influences the illness would affect their daily lives and refused to receive HIV specialist services. Therefore, Dr. Ko urged the public to continue support the work of The Society for AIDS Care in caring for PLWHA and their families to build up their vision of positive living, so as to facilitate full community integration.

Mr. Christopher Jackson and Dr. Andrew Yuen, Board Directors of The Society for AIDS Care both thanked the corporates and volunteers in supporting the Red Day. Mr. Jackson said that World AIDS Day is held on 1st December each year and people participated in different activities to commemorate the day. We should not forget the rising epidemic of HIV/AIDS in Hong Kong especially in the younger generation and should all join hands to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. Dr. Yuen expressed that The Society for AIDS Care launched the gimmick of Red Day and encouraged public to dress in red to demonstrate the caring, blessing and support towards PLWHA.

At the Red Day, different activities were arranged to promote the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness and eliminate the stigma and discrimination towards PLWHA. Other than an exhibition to introduce the services of The Society for AIDS Care and the HIV/AIDS situation in Hong Kong, there were also Red Day Fun Shooting and Red Day Bazaar. Local celebrities such as singers Ms. Sandy Lam and Mr. Louis Cheung, actress Miss Catherine Chau also contributed some meaningful red items for the Red Day Bazaar to show their care and support to PLWHA and their care givers.

All the items are on sale at FringeBacker.com. The full amount raised will be used to support The Society for AIDS Care’s services, including look after HIV+ children; implement mother-to-child-transmission intervention programs; maintain the integrative center; provide home care, physiotherapy and rehabilitation services; and implement the new AIDS enquiry hotline for women. Please visit www.fringebacker.com/en/event/AIDS-Care-RED-Day/ for more details.

The new AIDS enquiry hotline for women is established as The Society for AIDS Care noticed the service gap in prevention advocacy in women in Hong Kong. Approximately one in five people living with HIV in Hong Kong are women (19.6%, 1475/7534) despite the fact that women will not go for regular HIV testing in general. The Society for AIDS Care provides the unique HIV care service looks after around 30% of female who are mostly infected from their spouses and are mostly late diagnosed cases with serious complications. Some are only diagnosed after their spouse passed away. The new hotline, administered by experienced AIDS prevention nurse, aims to support those who have less awareness of HIV prevention.

Organized by The Society for AIDS Care, the first Superhero Run with the theme of “Zero Infection for the Next Generation” was successfully held today (November 8). The location chosen at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal was to reminisce the Society’s first patient center. The specially designed T-shirt for the event, with the superhero icon embedded the meaning of the keen support and protection for the underprivileged children and women affected by HIV.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of The Society for AIDS Care, Ms. Alice Chan mentioned that this event helped to improve public awareness on AIDS, to promote active prevention of HIV/AIDS among younger generation and to raise funds for sustaining the services for people living with HIV/AIDS.

The money raised helped The Society for AIDS Care to continue their unique services such as look after service for HIV positive children; mother-to-child-transmission intervention programs; center-based and outreach physiotherapist service; and drug supervision service for people living with HIV/AIDS conducted by experienced nurses.

The run was divided into two categories – 5km Individual and 1.5km x 3 Relay. Congratulations to all the award winners in different groups. There were also yoga practices, Capella performance, rope skipping performance and game booths in this fun-filled event. Additionally, a special physiotherapist booth has also been set up to treat runners who suffered from post run muscle injury.

The Society for AIDS Care has been providing direct quality service to meet the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and their care givers since 1994. Our services are provided with experienced nurses, social workers, counselors and physiotherapist. The Society for AIDS Care is the only organization in Hong Kong providing “Mother-to-child Transmission Prevention” Intervention programs. Through the dynamic services and counseling services to HIV-positive pregnant women, The Society for AIDS Care has achieved 100% success in babies born HIV free to date.

According to statistics by Department of Health, there were 152 cases of new infections in the last quarter of 2014, accumulating to a total of 6,993 cases since 1984, as of 31st December, 2014, and the number of HIV infections keeps rising in the past years. Fortunately, there had been zero case of mother-to-child transmission for the last 8 quarters. Today, The Society for AIDS is hosting AIDS Charity Walk cum Mask Design Contest Award Ceremony. We are honored to invite famous singer Ms. Vincy Chan attended the ceremony as SAC ambassadors. Emcee Mr. William Lam and Co-chairperson of AIDS Walk, Mr. Christopher Jackson reinforced the message on stage.

Ms. Vincy Chan stressed the importance of acceptance for people living with HIV/AIDS so that they can seek help without discrimination, alleviating the harm done by the disease. She said “Discrimination has the worst effects upon people living with HIV as it deters people coming forward for testing and seek proper treatment. So it is very important that we should accept people living with HIV.”. She also shared the effectiveness of “Mother-to-child Transmission Prevention” intervention. She pointed out that “If pregnant women realized they are HIV-positive during pre-natal check, through ‘Mother-to-child Transmission Prevention” intervention and adherence to medication, they are definitely can give birth to healthy, HIV-negative babies.”

AIDS Walk is taking place at The Peak this year. Over 600 participants wore the Masks designed by participants of the Mask Design Contest and completed the Walk despite bad weather. The Award Ceremony of the Contest was presented before the opening ceremony of AIDS Walk. Winners of the contest received prizes at the ceremony. All shortlisted and winning submissions were exhibited in Peak Galleria to promote acceptance toward PLWHA who are fighting this severe disease alone.

The goal of UNAIDS for 2015 is “Getting to Zero,” indicating zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. The Society for AIDS Care is the only organization in Hong Kong providing “Mother-to-child Transmission Prevention” Intervention programs. Through the dynamic services and counseling to HIV-positive pregnant women, we have achieved 100% success in babies born HIV free to date, establishing a zero infection for next generation.

Most patients under SAC’s care suffer HIV infection were unknowing of its cause at the time. Some of these cases include mother-to-child transmission, spouses infecting each other and tainted blood transfusion. These patients live under constant stress of HIV stigma and discrimination, driving them to live behind an invisible mask to protect their identities. SAC has been providing direct quality service to meet the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and their care givers since 1994. The services are provided with the team of experienced nurses, social workers, counselors and physiotherapist to re-build the lives of PLWHA and facilitate full community integration.

World AIDS Day has been observed on 1 December every year. The Society for AIDS Care commenced World AIDS Day Memorial Ceremony today together with photo exhibition and AIDS education panels today to raise public awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention. We are honored to have Prof. Sophia Chan, Under Secretary for Food and Health Bureau to address the current HIV situation in Hong Kong. Mr. Julian Cheung Chilam and Ms. Vincy Chan also attended the ceremony as SAC ambassadors. Emcee Mr. William Lam and guests reinforced the message on stage.

Mr. Julian Cheung Chilam stressed the importance of acceptance for people living with HIV/AIDS so that they can seek help without discrimination, alleviating the harm done by the disease. He said “Discrimination has the worst effects upon people living with HIV as it deters people coming forward for testing and seek proper treatment. So it is very important that we should accept people living with HIV.” Ms. Vincy Chan also shared the effectiveness of “Mother-to-child Transmission Prevention” intervention. She pointed out that “If pregnant women realized they are HIV-positive during pre-natal check, through ‘Mother-to-child Transmission Prevention” intervention and adherence to medication; they are definitely can give birth to healthy, HIV-negative babies.”

The theme of World AIDS Day is “Getting to Zero”, which aims for Zero Discriminate, Zero Infection and Zero AIDS-related deaths this year. With the success from last year, The Society for AIDS Care conducts “I promise, I will not discriminate against People Living with HIV/AIDS” Photo Exhibition again this year, which aims to eliminate stigma toward People Living with HIV/AIDS (PWLHA). This echoes the theme for World AIDS Day.

Photos displayed in the exhibition are collected by volunteers from different districts in Hong Kong. Over 10,000 people from various sectors in the community participated. These photos are displayed in form of a photo exhibition on Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard today, hoping to raise awareness and acceptance for PLWHA from the public. In addition to games and face painting booths, a 3-meter tall red ribbon stand composed of over 10,000 small red ribbons is also exhibited on site, where passers-by can take photos with.

Most patients under our care suffer HIV infection were innocent of its cause at the time. Some of these cases include mothers passed the virus to their children through childbirth; spouses infected each other and tainted blood transfusion. These patients live under constant stress of HIV stigma and discrimination. Thus, we invite everyone to participate in the campaign “I promise, I will not discriminate against People Living with HIV/AIDS”, to support and bless those who are fighting against this severe illness alone and prevent the epidemic from prevailing.

The Society for AIDS Care has been providing direct quality service to meet the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and their care givers since 1994. Our services are provided with our team of experienced nurses, social workers, counselors and physiotherapist.

The first AIDS Walk was commenced in Los Angeles in 1985, having risen over US$670,000 for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the community. AIDS Walk has then developed into an international fundraising campaign for AIDS awareness in many cities worldwide.

The Society for AIDS Care (SAC) organized the first AIDS Walk at The Peak in 2002, launching this international AIDS fundraising campaign in Hong Kong annually. To further promote AIDS Walk, each participant received a mask created by contestants of Mask Design Contest to wear, as a signature element introduced by SAC for the public to empathize with PLWHA for the heavy stress of hidden identity due to fear for discrimination.

AIDS Walk was commenced in success today at The Peak. SAC Ambassador Ms. Denise Ho, a famous singer, and emcee Mr. William Lam together delivered the message of love and care toward PLWHA. Mr. Christopher Jackson and Dr. Andrew Yuen, SAC Directors and Co-chairmen of AIDS Walk, also stressed the importance of support from the public for PLWHA. Ms. Manting Chan and Mr. Ronan Pak were among guests at the ceremony and the Walk, supporting PLWHA in action. Mr. Jackson, Dr. Yuen and Ms. Denise Ho presented prizes to the winners of Mask Design Contest, hoping to reinforce the message through art creation by students and the public.

The Walk was initiated by Ms. Ho, Mr. Jackson, Dr. Yuen and Ms. Alice Chan, the CEO of SAC. As the cannon fired, guests in the AIDS Walk T-shirt designed by celebrated international fashion designer, Mr. Peter Som, and masks led participants to walk from Harlech Road to Lugard Road, where some shortlisted submissions of Mask Design Contest were displayed on the path.

Event Details of AIDS Walk 2014
Date: 16th March, 2014
Time: 11:00 am – 13:30 pm
Venue: Peak Galleria, The Peak
Route: Harlech Road to Lugard Road
Walk Duration: Around an hour

Most patients under SAC’s care suffer HIV infection were unknowing of its cause at the time. Some of these cases include mother-to-child transmission, spouses infecting each other and tainted blood transfusion. These patients live under constant stress of HIV stigma and discrimination, driving them to live behind an invisible mask to protect their identities. The Society for AIDS Care has been providing direct quality service to meet the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and their care givers since 1994. The services are provided with the team of experienced nurses, social workers, counselors and physiotherapist to re-build the lives of PLWHA and facilitate full community integration.

World AIDS Day has been observed on 1 December every year. To echo this day, The Society for AIDS Care commences World AIDS Day Memorial Ceremony together with photo exhibition and AIDS education panels today to raise public awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention, and to encourage wider acceptance on people living with HIV/AIDS. We are honored to have Ms. Niki Chow, a pronounced artist as our SAC ambassador this year. Emcee Mr. William Lam and guests reinforce the message by games on stage.

Ms. Niki Chow, our SAC ambassador, shared the importance and effectiveness of “Mother-to-child Transmission Prevention” intervention, “If pregnant women realized they are HIV-positive during pre-natal check, through ‘Mother-to-child Transmission Prevention” intervention and adherence to medication, they are definitely give birth to healthy, HIV-negative babies. Innocent children that infected HIV from their mothers have to bear lifelong burden brought by the disease. I encourage everyone to prevent HIV from prevailing to build up Zero Infection for our next generation.” The theme of World AIDS Day is “Getting to Zero”, which aims for Zero Discriminate, Zero Infection and Zero AIDS-related deaths this year. “I promise, I will not discriminate against People Living with HIV/AIDS” Photo Exhibition conducted by The Society for AIDS Care aims to eliminate stigma toward People Living with HIV/AIDS(PWLHA), and at the same time echoing the theme for World AIDS Day.

Volunteers from different backgrounds have been collecting over 4,500 pieces Red Ribbon photos of over 6,000 people showing “I promise, I will not discriminate against People Living with HIV/AIDS” since May. These photos are displayed in form of a photo exhibition on Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard today, hoping to raise awareness and acceptance for PLWHA from the public. In addition to games and face painting booths, a 3-meter tall red ribbon stand composed of over 10,000 small red ribbons is also exhibited on site, where passers-by can take photos with.

Most patients under our care suffer HIV infection were innocent of its cause at the time. Some of these cases include mothers passed the virus to their children through childbirth; spouses infected each other and tainted blood transfusion. These patients live under constant stress of HIV stigma and discrimination. Thus, we invite everyone to participate in the campaign “I promise, I will not discriminate against People Living with HIV/AIDS”, to support and bless those who are fighting against this severe illness alone and prevent the epidemic from prevailing.

The Society for AIDS Care has been providing direct quality service to meet the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and their care givers since 1994. Our services are provided with our team of experienced nurses, social workers, counselors and physiotherapist.