On November 20, 2010, Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) put on an Action For AIDS Fashion Show in the Xinyi Commercial District, featuring spokesmodels with outfits adorned with 365 latex condoms.Intermingling with youngsters in the crowd, the models called on them to acknowledge the real threat of AIDS and practice safe sex and seek regular AIDS screenings.
According to Taiwan CDC, in 2007, 14% of Taiwan’s AIDS carriers were in the 15 to 24 years of age cohort.This figure rose to 20% in 2008 and 28% in 2009.More than 90% of them contracted the virus through unsafe sex.It is evident from these numbers that the face of AIDS in Taiwan is getting younger by the year.Thus, it is a priority for Taiwan CDC to heighten awareness of the risk the AIDS virus poses to this demographic and educate them about the importance of safe sex and regular screenings.
The theme of the World Health Organization’s “2010 World AIDS Day” is Universal Access and Human Rights.The theme emphasizes the need to ensure that the rights of AIDS carriers are protected. Taiwan CDC Director-General, Mr. Chang Feng-yee, was on hand at the event and stressed that knowledge about AID breeds respects; respect breeds compassion; and that those infected with AIDS have the same basic human rights that everyone else enjoys.
Misunderstanding of and discriminatory attitudes about AIDS may in fact lead to risky behavior and resistance to screenings, thus leading to ever higher infection rates.Respect and compassion for AIDS carriers are important, but so too are the notions of self-respect and respect for others, early treatment and protecting others against infection.
One of the spokesmodels said that, after being diagnosed with AIDS, one of her friends became introverted and withdrawn. The spokesmodel recounted the sympathy and pain she felt for her friend and added that her story is one of the reasons she decided to participate in the Action For Aids Fashion Show.She added that AIDS does not seek out one particular type of person,rather, it seeks out people who engage in risky behavior such as those who do not use condoms for intercourse or share needles.Avoiding these risks can greatly reduce the risk of contracting AIDS.
The Action For AIDS Fashion Show ran for four days (November 20, 21, 24 & 25) in the Xinyi Commercial District.In addition to posing for photos with the models, audience members also participated in interactive games and quizzes for prizes.An announcement was made of a November 30th “Action For AIDS Party” to be held by Taiwan CDC at a popular nightclub in the Xinyi area.Tickets will be limited and attendees will have a chance to win an iPhone 4G smartphone.