The call for all South Sudanese to know their right to health and their HIV status so they can receive treatment if necessary was at the heart of events held in Malakal to mark World AIDS Day.

In the protection of civilians site next to the United Nations base in Malakal, thousands of people came together on World AIDS Day to watch educative dramatic performances, cultural songs, and sports events focusing on the impact of HIV/AIDS and calling for communities to accept those who are affected by the virus.

Speaking at the event, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) camp manager, Janet Omogi, urged those present to use the medical facilities available to internally displaced people to have free checks of their HIV status.

“Know your status and discourage stigma against those who may be affected by the illness,” she said. “There is an obligation on each and every one us to end discrimination,” she said.