In order to promote the AIDS prevention and control campaign and to encourage the public to show their support and concern for people infected with AIDS, the Centers for Disease Control invited motorcycle riders in northern, central, southern and eastern Taiwan to organize an “Anti-AIDS army” to participate in four planned pledge ceremonies. The event was held on November 9 at the Tiger City Plaza in Taichung city. All the motorcycles were adorned with red ribbons which symbolize AIDS prevention and control. There was also a massive release of balloons with red ribbons attached to them.

Approximately 70 motorcyclists drove along Chung Gang Road, Hueilai Road and Taichung City Hall North Second Road in a show of solidarity for their support for people with AIDS. The motorcycle rally ended up at the Tiger City plaza on Chaofu Road, where participants vowed to support the AIDS prevention and control policy of the government and urge the public to show concern for people with AIDS.

The CDC also designed “postcards of love” on which participants will write down their blessings and hopes for AIDS patients—many of whom suffer from discrimination. After the event, these “postcards of love” will be delivered to the domestic AIDS support organizations and then to AIDS patients as an expression of society’s concern.

The CDC also invited the public to voice their pronouncements of love for AIDS patients. Participants expressing words of encouragement and support for AIDS victims received a “Notebook of Love: Power of Care and Hug" drawn by Wan-wan, a famous children’s book illustrator.

“AIDS prevention troops” pledge ceremonies will also take place in Hualien county and Kaohsiung city. To wrap up the campaign, all the participating motorcycle riders will gather at the National Taiwan Democracy Monument Hall on November 30, the eve of the World AIDS Day, in order to voice for the AIDS prevention campaign and support all people with AIDS.