One of the harshest realities for people living with HIV/AIDS, is the lonesome journey ahead.

One of the most terrifying facts about HIV/AIDS for our society is that HIV hides behind a mask. It strikes and spreads silently. People live with AIDS in silence.

Can we change things? Join us to fight this masked pandemic.

Unmask your fear of HIV/AIDS.

To mark World AIDS Day this year, our Distinguished Guest of Honour Mr Baey Yam Keng will be joining us in officiating an UNMASK Ceremony at the MAC Counter at TANGS Orchard.

AIDS Unmasked: World AIDS Day Event 2009:

• 28 November
• 10am -12pm REGISTRATION (SCAPE Youth Park)

Join Host Pam Oei, the Filipino Symphony Choir, roving drummers from Hidden Rhythms as well as Durex in an exciting pre-walk programme to raise awareness for 2009’s World AIDS Day. Winners from Mister Singapore and TNP’s New Face of the Year will be championing our cause as Event Ambassadors.

• 12pm WALK FLAG-OFF (towards TANGS Orchard)
• 1pm UNMASK Ceremony

Please note that registration fee has been waived, and is free for the day.

Goodie bags with NewUrbanMale.com t-shirts will be released on a first-come-first-served basis, beginning from 10am.

See you there!

WHY AIDS should be UNMASKED:

A person living with HIV/AIDS is a masked face in the crowd. Approximately 4000 people have been diagnosed with HIV in Singapore. Those who know of their conditions largely choose anonymity. The powerful stigma associated with HIV/AIDS prevents one from disclosing their HIV-positive status to family, friends and co-workers. As there is rarely sympathy for those who fall to AIDS, we are learning not to fall - we assume we are free of risk, or if we know our vulnerability, we resist testing.

Because of fear; support, care and treatment to prolong lives are delayed.

In the meanwhile, HIV/AIDS continues to spread anonymously amidst our population.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF UNMASKING
at the end of the walk

To cease fear and social judgement towards HIV/AIDS.

To support a society in which you or your loved ones will find it possible to disclose your HIV status easily, without fear of stigma and discrimination.

The cost of living with HIV/AIDS

Monthly Treatment of up to $1500 a month.
Consultations and some 7-8 tests for antibodies and bodily resistance etc. To cost at least $360 (one-time costs)
Bottled milk for infants born of HIV-positive mothers
(breast milk cannot be used).
Loss of the ability to earn incomes (terminally ill AIDS patients)

MAC AIDS FUND

The M.A.C AIDS Fund supports more than 700 organizations worldwide to provide daily essentials and direct care services to men, women and children affected by the global epidemic.

VIVA GLAM Lipstick was launched to sustain the funds of the M.A.C AIDS Fund. One hundred percent of VIVA GLAM sales go directly into the M.A.C AIDS Fund.

Action for AIDS will be using a grant it receives from M.A.C AIDS Fund through this event to increase the public visibility and awareness of and for AIDS, as well as increase the base of HIV+ patients receiving support from AfA's welfare programmes - the Medication Assistance Fund, HIV+ Pregnant Mother's Fund, and the Care for Families Fund.

Buy one VIVA GLAM lipstick and support someone who is battling both emotionally and financially with a life-long disease. This lipstick will not only hasten the access to treatment and care, it will eliminate the chances of HIV-positive mothers giving birth to HIV-positive infants.

Visit a MAC counter in Singapore to purchase a Viva Glam lipstick

Visit MAC AIDS FUND

World AIDS Day 1st December

The event is held in conjunction with World AIDS Day, which falls on 1st December, and the theme this year is I am. It represents the aspiration for all AIDS patients to recognize the value of their right to life, to seek to be accepted, safe, treated, and healthy despite living with a disease such as HIV/AIDS.

Visit www.worldaidscampaign.org

Registration

AIDS Unmasked is a downtown walk that will see 700 participant sign-ups wear face masks in a public show of awareness for the anonymity of HIV/AIDS in society.

Individual

Organization/Group (> than 15 participants)