UNFPA joins hands with Social Initiatives Support Fund (SISF), Fund Forum, UNDP/Global Fund, UNAIDS, Center of Youth Initiatives “Kelajak Ovozi”, Ministry of Healthcare and Ministry of People’s Education of Uzbekistan to organize a campaign dedicated to the World AIDS Day held at Youth Creativity Palace in Tashkent city on 1 December 2011.

The campaign agenda includes photo and information materials exhibitions, demonstration of educational videos on HIV/AIDS, concert with participation of Uzbek stars. UNFPA will present activities of its youth educational network Y-PEER that works with young people to promote healthy lifestyle choices and educate on issues like HIV prevention and HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

The event is aimed at increasing awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrating international solidarity. World AIDS Day is a platform for discussing results and further plans of international, state and public organizations, who work in partnership in tackling HIV/AIDS.

UNFPA is also supporting a series of events organized by volunteers of its youth network Y-PEER throughout Uzbekistan. Thus, in Samarkand, UNFPA will support a theater play for general public on HIV prevention, stigma and discrimination related issues. This event, organized by NGO Tengdoshim and Kelajak Ovozi will be held in the framework of UNV/Y-PEER mini-grant project.

This and many other events, including drawing contest in Tashkent city, informational sessions and outreach events in schools in Andijan, for young people will contribute to building momentum around the World AIDS Day in Uzbekistan and involving individuals, organizations and movements into collective response to the epidemic.