On World AIDS Day, students of The University of Hong Kong launched a campaign to gather signatures to fight AIDS. Two thousand red ribbons, the international symbol of HIV and AIDS awareness, were distributed on campus. Over 100 students listened to talks by Ms Joanne Wong of Medecins Sans Frontieres and Mr Kenneth Cheung, Founder of Rainbow of Hong Kong.
Ms Wong briefed students about the situation of AIDS in the world. She said that about 40 million are affected by AIDS. Most of them are living in developing countries and are denied access to expensive treatment. She called on pharmaceutical companies to put life saving before patent and profit.
Mr. Kenneth Cheung, Founder of Rainbow, himself living with AIDS, shared his battle of fighting despair and discrimination and became a campaigner.
Dr Albert Chau, Dean of Student Affairs of The University of Hong Kong, complimented students for showing care and concerns for this global issue and encourage students to broaden their perspective and to become global citizens.
Humanity in Focus, one of the student organizations formed by students of HKU which focuses on global issues, is planning to organize a year round campaign to collect signatures. A large signature board is designed and will be moved around the campus and to other universities to collect signatures to fight AIDS. They will present the signatures at international forums. They will also organize visits to developing countries to get a first hand experience of the situation.
Press Enquiries: Cindy Chan (2241 5235) or Amy Tse (2241 5232).
|
|
