2 December 2013 - World AIDS Day was celebrated in ceremonies across South Sudanese states today with speeches, songs, drams, medical advice and testimonies of people living with the pandemic.

In Yambio, Western Equatoria State, South Sudan AIDS Commission State Director Jane Bangbe told hundreds of residents at Freedom Square that the state had the highest HIV prevalence in the country.

A total of 4,677 people in different support groups were living with HIV and AIDS in the state, she noted. Although this put the prevalence rate down to 6.8 per cent, compared to 7.2 per cent in 2009, Ms. Bangbe stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to prevent HIV and AIDS.

“We still have a long way to go,” she said. “All actors must be on board (and) committed.”

Eighteen-year old Samuel Johns, who said he was infected at the age of 13 by a woman who raped him, appealed to fellow youth to go for voluntary counseling and testing.

“HIV and AIDS especially affects young people who are the main engine of our economies,” said UNMISS State Coordinator Ataklti Hailu. “UNMISS can play a catalytic role by sensitizing top policy makers, but the key role has to be played by communities themselves.”

Presiding over the commemoration in the Upper Nile State capital Malakal, Vice- President James Wani Igga said supporting people living with HIV and AIDS was a government priority.

“We urge the media to help in disseminating the message (to combat) HIV and AIDS,” he said.

The head of UNICEF in Greater Upper Nile States, David Igulu, said there was need to show solidarity with those living with HIV and AIDs, one of the most destructive phenomena in history.

“Globally four million people are said to be living (with) HIV and AIDs and over 25 million are said to have died as a result,” he said. “There is a critical need for us to raise resources … to help increase awareness.”

In the Jonglei State capital Bor, Acting Governor and Minister of Cabinet and Parliamentary Affairs Gabriel Gai Riam said reduction of HIV and AIDS could be achieved only through open talk with young people who were at high risk of infection.

“Parents do not talk to their children about safe sex … because of their African culture.” he said. “We need to be open not only to ourselves but also to our children and neighbors if we want to prevent the fatal disease.”

Mr. Riam called on all citizens to rally together and work out means of reducing new infections.

In Wau, Western Bahr El-Ghazal, the UNMISS Chinese engineers approached the local community and commercial area to share experiences with people and give advice on preventing AIDS. They also handed out free handbooks about AIDS and condoms.

The engineers and HIV/AIDS section also organized several sports activities (like tug of war, basketball) in the mission compound from 25 November to 2 December.

“The symbol of World AIDS Day is a red ribbon which symbolizes the love for life and the aspiration for peace,” said Chinese Engineering Commander Lt.Col Yu Zigang. “All of us must shoulder our responsibility together, combat AIDS together and cherish our life.”

In many states, UNMISS State Coordinators read UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message to mark the 25^th Anniversary of World AIDS Day, which was celebrated under the theme, “Getting to Zero: zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths”.

In his message, Mr. Ban said there were significant decreases in new infections and deaths, as well as good progress in realizing the target to ensure 15 million people have access to antiretroviral treatment by 2015.

“On this World AIDS Day, I am more optimistic than ever,” said Mr. Ban. “But… there are still worrying signals that some regions and countries are falling behind… There is still much to do to end this problem. We must recommit to breaking the remaining barriers, including punitive laws and social exclusion, so we can reach all people who lack access to HIV treatment and services.”