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.