Last October 5-10, 2001, the 6th International AIDS Conference in Asia
and the Pacific was held in Melbourne Australia.
Thousands of delegates from the Asia Pacific Region political leaders,
scientists, community based workers, private sector, religious groups,
academe, epidemiologists, public health specialists, NGO advocates, activities,
and clients meet once again to discuss pressing issues and concerns on HIV/AIDS.
On its third consecutive year, Remedios AIDS Foundation, Inc Philippines
in collaboration with Yayasan Galang from Indonesia and The Ford Foundation,
Inc Philippines join hands with the setting up of the Philippine Indonesian booth.
Just like previous initiatives various information education communication (IEC)
materials were gathered from various agencies ( government, nongovernment)
of their respective countries to be shared among participating delegates
of the said conference.
The conference theme "Breaking Down Barriers" was the Exhibit Booth's theme.
It showcases a wooden panel with the center design showing a Philippine
jeepney breaking the brick red wall. Words such as discrimination stigma,
disclosure and denial were shattered as these signify the barriers that
activists and advocates from both countries have to topple down in terms of HIV/AIDS.
On the opposite wooden panel, a caricature design featuring a condom
man knocking off the words syphilis, herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia.
This translates that one is protected with STI by using a condom.
The other wooden panel showcase both Philippine and Indonesian
community working in partnership for access to treatment and care
for persons living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs).
The Exhibit booth has drawn much attention from the participating
delegates of the said conference. It has indeed been one of the most
sought after place where souvenir shots were taken. Congratulations
to Remedios and Yayasang Galang Indonesia for coming up with such an
innovative Exhibit Booth that speaks of current issues that the
Conference has to addressed - to "Break Down The Barriers"
