Saturday 1 December 2007 is World AIDS Day. This global event allows governments, individuals, community and international organisations and people living with HIV/AIDS to focus attention on the devastating impacts of the epidemic and the fight against it.
There are currently 33.2 million people living with HIV, of which 5 million are from the Asia-Pacific.
Australia uses this day to promote awareness of the epidemic in our region, reaffirm our commitment to fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS and support those who are living with its impact.
AusAID commends the Indonesian Business Coalition on AIDS on its formation. The Indonesian Business Coalition on AIDS was launched in Jakarta by the Indonesian Vice President Mr Drs Muhammad Jusuf Kalla on 2 December 2007.
The Indonesian Business Coalition on AIDS (IBCA) is a voluntary association of businesses working in Indonesia. It's goal is to deliver an effective private sector response to HIV/AIDS through HIV workplace programs.
The IBCA was established with the assistance of the Asia Pacific Business Coalition on AIDS.
For further information on Austalia's response to HIV/AIDS see elswhere on this website HIV/AIDS - Australia's response
See also Positive Negative: HIV/AIDS slide show [new navigation]
Above top: HIV/AIDS awareness raising workshop in Hanoi. Photo Jacinta Cubis, AusAID
Below: Puppet troupe visits remote villages in Laos to help villagers understand how HIV is transmitted and how to avoid infection. Photo: Jim Holmes.