In China, it is said that “one who fails to reach the Great Wall is not a hero”. Well, they certainly cannot say that about you if you have been to the Great Wall to support prevention, treatment, and care of HIV/AIDS in China!

That’s right, sign-ups are now open for the annual China Aids Walk, which this year takes place on Nov 30 just ahead of World AIDS Day on Dec 1. Every year, hundreds of attendees flock to the wall to raise money to help end AIDS and discrimination. So far, the event has raised RMB 1.6 million, but much more is needed to put a stop the disease and the stigma once and for all.

“We are still a long way to go before we finally end AIDS and discrimination,” says Martin Yang, director of China AIDS Walk. “With upcoming progress and technological development, we might be able to end the HIV transmission soon, but discrimination will be a lot harder to fight against. That’s why China AIDS Walk has been raising awareness and funding continuously for the past eight years.”

In fact, China AIDS Walk does more than just raise money. They also get down in the trenches to provide training, workshops, and small grants to support community-based NGOs and young people.

They hope that you will join the fight this year, not only by walking but also by discussing AIDS with those closest to you. As Yang puts it, “We ask each individual to take the time to talk to their friends and family, explain why it’s important to support the AIDS Walk financially and physically. When people come out to the walk on the Great Wall, it is a demonstration of community solidarity, our resolution to fight against the discrimination, and to assure people living with HIV that we are here for them.”

How to participate

Each registrant is advised to raise RMB 500 in money or gifts to donate to the cause. Sign-up for the event includes transportation to and from the Great Wall, a ticket onto the Great Wall, travel insurance for the day, basic walking supplies (bottled water, etc.), tea and snacks in the afternoon, and an official China AIDS Walk 2019 gift bag.

The post Registration Now Open for China AIDS Walk on the Great Wall appeared first on MyMedicPlus.

The sky was gray and a light drizzle was falling as the 33rd AIDS Walk Philly wound down in front of the Art Museum. 

AIDS Fund executive director Robb Reichard said despite the ugly weather and a drop in corporate sponsorship, this year’s event outpaced the last.

“We are about $300,000,” he shared. “We’re really excited about that.”

The number of young people taking part was another reason for Reichard to celebrate.

“We are so excited that there are so many high school and college students that are out here today,” he said.

By mid-morning, as the walk was wrapping up, the enthusiasm and commitment of participants like Ciji Carr was not flagging.

“I think we’ve kind of lost focus on how severe and serious this is,” Carr said. “So I think that something like this is something great because it brings more people out, and it brings the conversation back up and it should never go away.”

Ciji was part of a team organized by her friend Luis Molina.

“As a gay male, it’s impacted my community a lot,” said Molina, “and I just feel like we need to bring that awareness up to everybody, and get to zero together.”

That means zero stigma, zero new infections, and zero deaths. 

But with people under 25 accounting for one out of every four newly diagnosed HIV infections, Molina said it’s vital to engage and educate them.

“Some people aren’t truly prepared for what’s out there,” he shared. “I feel like we should be doing a lot more to make them aware and educate them, and let them know that either abstinence or protection is the best way to keep yourself safe.”

Carissa Watlington’s mood was positively sunny after walking up Martin Luther King Drive and back, exclaiming, “I’m happy, I made it!”

It was her first AIDS Walk, dedicated to her brother’s memory. 

“And we still got others who live with AIDS and HIV,” she said, “so hey, listen, it’s for them as well. And it’s good exercise.”

Reichard also noted the need for funding doesn’t end when the last walker crosses the finish line, and that donations can be made at the AIDS Walk Philly website.

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