It's serious, let's understand it properly. It's up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice - this is not any dialogue in any film, it's the theme of the World AIDS Day to be celebrated worldwide on 1st December 2006. The world has started to take the fight against AIDS as seriously as it deserves.

Gujarat Science City, in collaboration with Kesar Sal Medical College and Research Institute is celebrating "World AIDS Day" on 1st December 2006 (Friday) by organizing various student activities and general awareness programme. This year the theme of celebration is, 'it's up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice'.  A special workshop on HIV / AIDS awareness for health workers has been organized for the community health-care workers of Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad districts. The programme aims to bring mass awareness and sensitization on the general understanding on the issues. About 150 health workers have been invited to attend the one day workshop at Science City.

The World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Around forty million people are living with HIV throughout the world - and that number increases in every region every day.

In the 25 years since the first case was reported, AIDS has changed the world. It has killed 25 million people, and infected 40 million more. It has become the world's leading cause of death between both women and men aged 15 to 59. It has inflicted the single greatest reversal in the history of human development. In other words, it has become the greatest challenge of our generation.

AIDS, the acquired immune deficiency syndrome killed ,In India alone, more than 60,000 people are living with HIV and more than 7,000 more are diagnosed every year. Ignorance and prejudice are fuelling the spread of a preventable disease.

The Science City organizes illustrative poster exhibition on the theme, slide / film show and popular science talk have been organized, which aims to sensitize the students and the general visitors about the AIDS and HIVs. College students are invited to participate in the Sit and Draw competition being organized for this occasion. There is no registration fee. However, students are encouraged to enroll their names first-cum-first-serve basis.

Gujarat Science City, working under the aegis of Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat is all set to capture new heights in science literacy. The broad goal is to sensitize the students and the community about the emerging issues and how to potentially explore the benefits of science and literacy for the common cause of human wellbeing.

On this World AIDS Day, let us declare to keep the promise - not only this day, or this year, or next year - but every day, until the epidemic is conquered.

We request all to participate in the above activities and to be a part of this worldwide celebration.