As Guyanese yesterday commemorated World AIDS Day, a number of activities were held throughout the country under the theme, “Take the Lead. Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise”.

Many ardent supporters braved the sun to participate in the World AIDS Day Exhibition and Health Fair at the Sophia Exhibition Site.

Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who was also present, expressed satisfaction at the pace at which things were moving. In comments on the observance, he noted that “This is another manifestation of Guyana’s commitment to the fight, not only at the leadership level; we have also a multi-sector approach to the fight against HIV.”

He added that many Guyanese are getting involved in HIV/AIDS awareness activities.

Meanwhile, he noted that the problem surrounds conveying the message, which he attributed to the fact that people do not make maximum use of the information that is available. As a result, many Guyanese do not know their status.

At the exhibition site yesterday, volunteers briefed participants on the topic of HIV/AIDS and its effects.

Also free AIDS testing was done. Among the various organizations which took part were The Volunteer Youth Corps, The Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union, The Carnegie School of Home Economics, Red Cross and the Central Islamic Organisation (C.I.O.G).