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MEDIA RELEASE ‘Cos AIDS Isn't Sexy SINGAPORE , 19 July 2006 -- TWO-THIRDS OF WOMEN WITH HIV ARE IN THEIR 20s AND 30s. THIS IS NOT SEXY AND IT IS PREVENTABLE. BETTER EDUCATION, PRECAUTIONS AND EMPOWERMENT ARE URGENTLY NEEDED. In a bid to educate and empower single women, Action for AIDS, Singapore (AFA), a non-governmental organisation, is launching a 6 month long drive, from July 2006 to December 2006, at various pubs to help single women protect themselves against HIV infection. AfA is concerned about this group of vulnerable women. According to the Ministry of Health, 193 out of 306, or 63% of the women infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) between 1985 and 2005, are in the 20 to 39 years age group. AFA has chosen the theme ‘Cos AIDS Isn't Sexy' to spread this message of safe sex and empowerment. Three different posters representing the young, hip and cosmopolitan women of the day will be put up at various pubs with the following messages. Show him how you would like him to wear it Mr Paul Toh, Executive Director of AFA says, “Under the influence of alcohol and euphoria, people may put themselves at higher risk of unsafe sexual practices. AFA'S drive to reach out to single women on how to stay HIV-Free is vital. It is based on the right to safe sex, right to condom-use and the ability to say no when there is no protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/Aids. Attractive designer condom packs for the new age women will be unveiled for the first time at the launch and distributed at various pubs.” During the 6 month long campaign, single women will be informed that some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) will show no symptoms in women and that some people are infected without knowing it. They will be advised that a condom can help protect them from getting infected with a STI or HIV, as they may not be aware that their partner is HIV or STI infected. Some of the pubs where the education campaign will be held are Club Momo, Dbl O, Rouge and Ministry of Sound. Those who think they may be at risk of getting HIV infection may go for testing at their family doctor's clinic or at any government polyclinic. AfA runs an anonymous HIV testing clinic at the DSC Clinic, 31 Kelantan Lane, #01 - 16, S 200031. Call AFA's hotline at 6254 0212 or visit www.afa.org.sg for more information. Media Contact : Media Invitation LAUNCH OF AfA'S “ Cos AIDS Isn't Sexy” Action for AIDS, Singapore (AfA) is launching a 6 month long drive, from July 2006 to December 2006, at various pubs to educate single women on the need to protect themselves against HIV infection. AfA would like to invite your journalists and photographers / camera crew to the launch of ‘ COS AIDS ISN'T SEXY : Date: 19 July 2006 Wednesday There will also be a mini launch of ‘Cos AIDS isn't Sexy' on : 2 August 2006 at Dbl O at 11 Unity Street #01-24, Robertson Walk, Singapore 237995; and 29 September 2006 at Rouge at 180, Orchard Road, Peranakan Place , Singapore 238846 Appreciate if you would forward your RSVP or queries to Paul Toh at DID: 62958920 or email him at paul.toh@afa.org.sg Thank you. Yours sincerely PROGRAMME Launch of Action for AIDS's ‘Cos AIDS Isn't Sexy @ Club Momo 19 July 2006 Wednesday
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