World AIDS Day 2004

Background
People around the globe observe December 01 as World AIDS Day. In Maharashtra, Avert society in close association with Mumbai District AIDS Control Society (MDACS) and Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) organized a number of state wide activities and event spanning around the World AIDS Day. Few activities specifically in the field of mass communication extended up to mid January, for maintenance of tempo in creating awareness with general population.

Avert Society's communication core group consisting of representatives of the 3 AIDS Societies and communication consultant from JHU/HCP were responsible for finalizing the activities/events and the same were confirmed at the Project Directors meeting on 22/11/04. The comprehensive concepts were reviewed and approved by the Avert Society's Governing Board members vide Circular Resolution No.20.

Press Conference
Press Conference at Mantralaya, Mumbai held on November 29, 2004 to highlight World AIDS Day 2004 activities of the 3 Societies and issues like the role of Government to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS and increase general awareness, local media representatives from print and electronic media attended the conference.

Promotional Material
Avert Society has developed special promotional materials i.e. red ribbons, fliers, caps and T-shirts were distributed to the 3 AIDS Societies, NGOs, Civil Surgeons for 33 districts in Maharashtra.

a. Red Ribbons & Fliers: Red ribbons with Warli border emphasizing Maharashtrian culture along with backing card indicating the importance of the red ribbon and WAD were being distributed along with fliers in English, Hindi and Marathi which were meant to educate the general public and covering the basic facts of HIV/AIDS in simple reader friendly language.

b. T Shirts and Caps: T Shirts and caps with “Dare to Care” message were also distributed throughout Maharashtra on that occasion.
Quantities:
Red Ribbons: 5,00,000
Fliers: 4, 35,000
T-shirts and caps: 5,000 / 5,000

Press Advertisement:
Joint press advertisement by the 3 AIDS Societies was released on December 1, 2004 in leading English and vernacular publications.(32 Publications) The creative treatment used was informative, fact based and relevant to WAD 2004 theme “Women, girls, and HIV/AIDS”

District level activities with help of Avert NGOs
Avert Society's objectives of observing WAD 2004 across the state aimed in involving all Avert sub-grantees by supporting communication and awareness activities at ground level. Prevention (19), Workplace (9), Care & Support (10). NGOs spent from the grants received; an amount up to Rs. 20,000/- as per the specific guidance document sent to them.

Ministers Programme at Yashwantrao Chavan Prathisthan
Yashwantrao Chavan Prathisthan an exhibition of IEC material developed by the 3 Societies was arranged for awareness. More than 3000 people visited the exhibition. Leaflets on condom, red ribbons and fliers were distributed among the BEST drivers, security guards, nurses and NSS students of Mumbai University.

The specific programme jointly organized by the 3 Societies on WAD with distinguished guests like Hon'ble Chief Minister, Hon'ble Dy. Chief Minister and Minister for Health and other dignitaries were invited to address the gathering.

A play “Tan Man” focusing on Care & Support initiatives was staged by MSACS.

Avert Society supported the event by providing the auditorium facilities & refreshments to the invitees.

TV Spots
With the help of JHU/ HCP, Baltimore as an implementing agency 5 TV spots each of 60 seconds duration are being telecasted on the channels: DD Sahyadri, Alpha Marathi, E Marathi and cable channels. The spots will be released for a time plan of six weeks from World AIDS Day onwards.