May 16 to urge HIV/AIDS awareness

May 16 to urge HIV/AIDS awareness

JAKARTA: A night of recognition of the threat of HIV (Human
Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency
Syndrome) and solidarity for those affected will be held in 70
cities across the archipelago on May 16, Antara reported on
Wednesday.

A group of NGOs under the National Coordination Group of
Nusantara's AIDS Mobilization (GKNMAN) is organizing the event.

One of the organizers, Marcel Latuihamallo of Yayasan Mitra
Indonesia in Jakarta, said the event was part of the annual
program planned by the International Candlelight Memorial and
Mobilization.

The event will take place in more than 50 countries.

The day is dedicated to those who have died, and for building
social solidarity for those affected by HIV/AIDS, Marcel said.

In Jakarta, the Greater Jakarta Forum of NGOs Concerned with
AIDS -- comprising 34 NGOs -- will hold the event with about 300
taxi drivers at the Youth Center in South Jakarta.

In North Sulawesi, the event will be organized by the Pelita
Kasih Abadi Foundation in Manado and Bitung, the news agency
said.