‘‘HIV AIDS is now widespread in Tibet.  Including Lhasa, in many cities in Tibet, Tibetan youngsters are involving into commercial sex worker, especially those from rural Tibet who are illiterate, ignorant and unaware of this disease. Being completely ignorant about AIDS and not knowing the precaution measures makes this disease vulnerable to them. Learning the precaution measures without any shy or hesitation will halt the growing impact of AIDS in our community. If we don’t pay special attention to it now onwards or a time might come when it gets out of control. ’’ (text translated from video message in Tibetan language)

— His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

DHARAMSHALA, December 1: Tibetans in the exile seat of Dharamshala today joined the global call for “Getting to zero,” the theme for World AIDS Day 2011.

Leading the day-long activities as part of the World AIDS Day commemoration was Dharamshala based NGO, CHOICE HIV/AIDS Initiative.