6 December 2014 - Internally displaced people (IDPs) at the UNMISS base in the Upper Nile State capital Malakal today joined government representatives, the UN family and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to commemorate World AIDS Day.

“As a new nation, we have to add our voices to the world because it is very important to fight HIV/AIDS,” said Maria Konjwok, the State Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare. “Let’s try very hard to prevent the (spread of the) virus. If there is a will, there is a way.”

Ms. Konjwok pledged that the government would work with relevant partners to get rid of HIV/AIDS.

The head of the Danish Refugee Council in the state, Folkert Jongsma, urged people to go for voluntary HIV tests to find out their status.

“Being HIV-positive is not the end of (the world),” he said. “To prevent HIV/AIDs, we need collective efforts from everyone.”

Acting UNMISS State Coordinator Hastings Amurani read UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the day (officially celebrated on 1 December).

The day was marked with a procession through the UNMISS camp, followed by the main event which included speeches, traditional dances, drama, sports and a drawing competition for children.

In the evening, the UN family joined members of the IDPs’ Peace and Security Council and lit candles in honour of those living with HIV and AIDS as well as in memory of those who have lost their lives.