Every year World AIDS Day is observed on 1st December, 2009. This year’s theme “Human Rights and Universal Access” addresses the critical need to protect human rights and ensure universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. Various activities and series of events were planned in Hyderabad to mark the Day.
On this occasion, a rally was held from Nizam College grounds to Ravindra Bharati with active participation of various voluntary organizations and educational institutions. A large number of representatives from local, national and international non-governmental organizations, and community based organizations along with students took part in the rally which was organized under the leadership of Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society.

Andhra Pradesh AIDS Consortium mobilized medical students of various partnering medical institutes to participate in the rally. Besides participating in the rally along with various organizations, APAIDSCON was also instrumental in organizing a 5 km Bike rally. More than 600 medical students belonging to (various private medical colleges)- Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences, Chalmeda Ananda Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, Shadan Medical College, Deccan Medical College, and Bhaskara Medical College participated in the both the rallies. The rallies were declared open by Project Director – APSACS, Dr R. V. Chandravadan.

All the participants expressed their solidarity by carrying placards, posters and banners against Stigma & Discrimination towards HIV positives. Various cultural activities like folk music, mid media activities and dance performances spreading the message of AIDS accompanied the rally.

Apart from the rally, various other events were lined up at the Ravindra Bharathi. Mr Satyanarayana, Prinicipal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare and eminent film personalities were present at Ravindra Bharati to lend their support to HIV positives and create awareness on AIDS.

The District Annual Action Plan process document report was inaugurated by the Chief Guest during the ceremony. This document developed by the Public Health Management Institute along with APSACS and Technical Support Unit, is a comprehensive report that covers all the processes involved in the preparation of the DAP 2009-10.

Later on, Special Nutrition Supplement program for Children Living with HIV by Clinton Foundation was launched by the Chief Guest. Various IEC material in telugu as well as urdu were inaugurated during the occasion.

Organizations such as Public Health Management Institute, Population Services International, SAATHI, and Technical Support Unit-HLFPPT set up stalls to provide Information related to HIV/AIDS and related activities for prevention and control. A unique thing which attracted various categories of Key population was the quiz that was conducted by PHMI. It was conducted using a new technology known as “Turning Point” – a software which provides instant results on their high risk behaviour to the participants.

High Risk Groups such as FSWs, MSMs and vulnerable population such as youth proactively participated in the quiz which covered questions related to HIV prevention, care and treatment.

The formal event was followed by cultural programs conducted by various High Risk Groups, orchestra troupe and medical students. The highlight of the World AIDS Day event was the musical band performance by medical students belonging to CAIMS. The students used innovative methods such as power point presentation showcasing the plight of PLHAs along with live songs performance and candle demonstration.

APAIDSCON & PHMI's effort to involve private medical colleges in this event has sent a positive message that medical professionals are open to treat HIV positives without stigma and discrimination. This year's World AIDS Day event has succeeded in creating awareness on HIV/AIDS prevention and control as well as further strengthening the already existing public private partnership bond between APSACS, PHMI, and APAIDSCON with all its 16 partnering medical institutes.