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## Raising Awareness: A Recent Initiative Addresses HIV/AIDS in Romania
On November 27, the Speranța Copiilor 2000 association launched a series of important initiatives aimed at raising awareness about HIV/AIDS among young people. Concerned about the lack of attention given to this crucial issue, the organization, led by president Dan Cibotaru, took action on World AIDS Day.
The activities, targeted specifically at informing youth, saw the involvement of ten volunteers. They visited “Marcel Guguianu” Zorleni Technological High School and “Ion Murgeanu” Zorleni Secondary School providing critical information about prevention of HIV/AIDS infection.
Later, a street campaign was organized in the town of Zorleni, engaging the broader community through the distribution of informative materials and invitations for HIV testing.
The culminations of efforts were a heated debate held at the library of the “Marcel Guguianu” Zorleni, attracting representatives from local authorities, media outlets, and interested volunteers. The aim? To highlight the continued
importance of addressing HIV/AIDS. Mr. Cibotaru articulated a critical message: “Every year, on December 1, we mark World AIDS Day and express solidarity with individuals bravely battling HIV/AIDS worldwide. However, the lack of decisive action to control this infection will only lead
to more new cases in Romania”, he stressed. He continued, “Experts firmly believeHIV should remain a public health priority.
Immediate action is required to prevent a surge in new HIV cases. This requires
accessible health education for young people, comprehensive HIV prevention
services, readily available testing services, unrestricted access to treatment, and social support for those living with HIV
What specific dangers does Mr. Cibotaru see arising from young people’s vulnerability to misinformation and lack of access to preventative education regarding HIV/AIDS?
**Interviewer:** Mr. Cibotaru, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Speranța Copiilor 2000’s recent initiative to raise HIV/AIDS awareness amongst young people is commendable. What inspired your organization to take such a proactive approach?
**Dan Cibotaru:** We, at Speranța Copiilor 2000, have witnessed a concerning lull in the public discourse surrounding HIV/AIDS. We believe this silence poses a significant danger, particularly for young people who are vulnerable to misinformation and lack adequate access to preventative education. World AIDS Day presented a critical opportunity to reignite the conversation and emphasize the ongoing importance of addressing this public health challenge.
