| Siti Hajar |
OVER 500 participants took to the streets early yesterday morning, in a show of solidarity for those afflicted with HIV and AIDS.
Organised by the Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council (BDAC), participants of the Red Ribbon Run 2016 includes employees from the government and private sector.
The run, which also saw the presentation of prizes in several categories, ranging from three kilometres to 10 kilometres, was held to spread awareness on HIV, while encouraging those at risk to get tested at health centres and clinics.
Proceeds from the event will go to BDAC’s existing HIV programmes, as well as youth empowerment.
As part of BDAC’s efforts to maximise its message, HIV and AIDS awareness quotes were placed alongside inspirational quotes along the running route.
“Running reflects a healthy lifestyle,” said three Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) students who intern at BDAC and working as the event’s project coordinators.
ABOVE & BELOW: In a show of solidarity for those afflicted with HIV and AIDS, over 500 participants took part in the Red Ribbon Run 2016 by the Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council (BDAC)
Proceeds from the event will go to BDAC’s existing HIV programmes, as well as youth empowerment
President of Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council, Iswandy Ahmad (L) presenting the 2nd winning trophy to Muhd Qamarul Arifin Hifni, a male runner in the 10km category
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show some of the runners with their medals after the completion of the Red Ribbon Run. – PHOTOS: DEAN KASSIM
“We’d like to spread the message that people living with HIV and AIDS can continue to lead a healthy life, provided that they take their medication regularly. More importantly, those involved in any risky behaviour need to be tested and diagnosed as early as possible.”
There are only certain ways by which HIV is transmitted: through certain bodily fluids, needle or syringe use, and from an infected mother to the foetus, with the latter avoidable through screenings in the early stages of pregnancy.
In his remarks as Captain of the Penyinar Club, the youth-wing of BDAC, Mohd Rafee Isa said, “Young people need to step up and discuss issues concerning their personal health, such as the prevention of HIV and AIDS, as well as sexually-transmitted diseases and infections.
“As a young person, I believe that early awareness and self-empowerment are important. We understand that this topic is still taboo, but being silent or negative does not provide solutions, and is not the way to address this issue.”
The youth representative also called for more awareness on reproductive health, together with the message that prevention is better than cure.
Stressing on the need for empowerment, he said, “We will not burden the country with unnecessary health care costs that can be prevented in the first place.”
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