Libya marks World AIDS Day
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Activities marking World AIDS Day, commemorated on 1 December each year, were organised on Thursday at the Equestrian Square in Abu Setta, on the Tripoli Corniche, aimed at raising public awareness about this disease, its symptoms and transmission processes.
Organised under the theme: "Equality", the day is supervised by the Department of AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases of the National Centre for Disease Control, with the support of its local and international partners.
It was aimed at identifying AIDS, its modes of transmission, symptoms and the most important methods of prevention, in order to maintain a healthy society free of infectious diseases, the Centre said in a publication.
The aim is also to raise awareness of the plight of people living with HIV/AIDS, to know the challenges and problems they face in order to facilitate their integration and to prevent them from being stigmatised or discriminated against in the workplace or any other aspect of social life.
Leaflets, photos and brochures as well as documents were distributed to sensitise and educate the public about the pandemic.
The organisers also held a scientific day on Wednesday in Tripoli during which presentations were made, including the latest updates related to examination and treatment.
Methods to combat the spread of the disease in the country were also presented.
According to the National Centre for Disease Control, the number of new infections in the country was estimated at 400 in 2019, noting that many patients, feeling stigmatised and discriminated against, avoid going to the hospital for treatment.
-0- PANA BY/JSG/BBA/MA 1Dec2022
