Gyeonggi Province Launches Joint Private-Government Campaign for 'World AIDS Day'

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hoon] Gyeonggi Province held an AIDS prevention publicity campaign at Anyang Station on the 28th in commemoration of the '32nd World AIDS Day' (December 1st).
The event, hosted by Gyeonggi Province and jointly organized by the Gyeonggi Chapter of the Korean Association for AIDS Prevention and the Gyeonggi Chapter of the Korea AIDS Prevention Association, proceeded as a private-government joint campaign with approximately 300 participants including health officials, city and county officials, and residents from the province.

AIDS is a disease where the importance of testing is emphasized, with a common saying that "one test is worth a hundred searches." If infection is detected early through testing, rapid treatment can lead to a healthy life.
Since free anonymous testing is available at all local health centers nationwide, there is no need to worry about personal information exposure. If there has been any possibility of infection, one must undergo testing to obtain accurate results.
Meanwhile, looking at the 2018 nationwide AIDS new infection reporting status, of 1,206 total infected persons, those in their 20s numbered 395 (32.8%), the highest, followed by those in their 30s with 328 (27.2%), and those in their 40s with 211 (17.5%), with those aged 20-40 accounting for 77.4% of the total.
Considering that adolescence is the most critical period for AIDS and sexually transmitted disease prevention, the province, together with the Gyeonggi Chapter of the Korea AIDS Prevention Association and the Korean Association for AIDS Prevention, is conducting AIDS prevention education and counseling for middle and high school students and military personnel throughout the province.

Meanwhile, campaign participants distributed AIDS prevention publicity materials and intensively conducted AIDS prevention publicity campaigns by providing guidance and counseling on AIDS-related screening, raising awareness about the risks of tuberculosis that can develop upon AIDS infection and preventive measures, and proper coughing etiquette.
Additionally, the publicity booth at the entrance of Anyang Station featured diverse accompanying events including ▲AIDS Fact or Fiction Quiz and ▲Photo-taking with 'Conman,' which drew enthusiastic interest from residents.

Jo Jeong-ok, Head of the Infectious Disease Management Division, said, "We hope this campaign will serve as an opportunity to correct misconceptions about AIDS and raise awareness of the importance of prevention," adding, "We will continue to make our best efforts in publicity and prevention education projects for AIDS prevention throughout the province."