1 December 2014 - In raising awareness about the pandemic, World AIDS Day is being marked with various sporting activities in the Western Bahr El-Ghazal capital Wau.

A football match began the celebrations on 28 November between UNMISS civilian staff and UNMISS Kenyan Battalion teams as part of sensitization efforts planned in connection with the Day.

The Kenyan Battalion team won 2:0, one point in penalty and the other in a play.

Similarly, the UNMISS Mongolian Battalion Team played against the Miami Stars from Wau town on 29 November. Miami Stars won the game 5:0.

Greeting the players, UNMISS State Coordinator Winnie Babihuga said prevention of HIV/AIDS should be everyone’s responsibility.

“If you are careless then you become a victim,” she said. “If you are persistent … then you can … defend yourself against HIV/AIDS.”

“We are supposed to be all inclusive, not to discriminate, but able to support one another,” she added.

The UNMISS Wau HIV/AIDS Unit stressed that voluntary HIV/AIDS testing was available and encouraged UNMISS staff to know their status.

Volleyball, basketball, and football matches will continue in the UNMISS protection of civilians site as well as Wau town for the coming three days.