World-AIDS-Day-Campaign

World AIDS Day Campaign

On Monday, December 1, Armenian Red Cross organized film screening at Manoogian hall, AUA.

The date and the film, “Dallas Buyers club”, had been chosen not randomly. Since 1988 December 1 has been considered as World AIDS Day to unite people in the fight against HIV. According to www.worldaidsday.org HIV facts, there are now more people than ever living with HIV in the UK — around 100,000 with a quarter of those people unaware they have the virus. So, social awareness is one of the main reasons for such screenings, information sessions or other events related to AIDS.

So, needless to say, the movie was about AIDS issue. A real life Texas cowboy Ron Woodroof is living a free-wheeling life until he is diagnosed HIV-positive and given 30 days to live. As it’s all happening in 1980s, the government is relatively new to the issue and is devided over how to combat the virus. So, Ron decides to take matters in his own hands by tracking down alternative treatments from all over the world, both legally and illegally. As a result he establishes a very successful club and, though having been given 30 days by his doctor, continues his struggle for acceptance for seven more years.

Before the movie started all the attendants were given pamphlets and brochures containing information about the virus, in what ways it can and can’t be spread, and, of cource, contact information of clinics doing HIV diagnosis.

After the screening there was a little reception with Armenian Red Cross volunteers eager to answer any question concerning AIDS.