World AIDS Day, December 1, is a day dedicated to commemorate those who have passed on and to raise awareness about AIDS and the global spread of the HIV virus.

A ceremony to mark World AIDS Day 2015 was held at the Union of Myanmar Federation on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) in Lanmadaw Township in Yangon on 1 December 2015. The theme for World AIDS Day 2015 is “Getting to zero.” Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths.

Over 95,000 Myanmar people living with HIV/AIDS are receiving free antiretroviral therapy as of June 2015 thanks to the cooperation of local and foreign partner organizations, said Yangon Region Chief Minister U Myint Swe during the ceremony.

In his speech, the chief minister explained the efforts Myanmar is undertaking to help prevent the spread of HIV and antiretroviral treatment provided in Myanmar in collaboration with its local and international partners.

World AIDS Day 2015 drawing and essay competitions were part of the event which included an exhibition to raise awareness of HIV. After the ceremony, the Yangon Region Chief Minister and guests visited World AIDS day Commemorative booths.

The commemoration of World AIDS Day 2015 in Myanmar extended to all 17 States and Regions across the country.

The National AIDS Programme/Department of Public Health hosted World AIDS Day commemorative events of which 46  events including the above Yangon regional event were partly supported by $35,650 worth of Global Fund funding.