The theme for World AIDS Day 2009 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. Global leaders have pledged to work towards universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care, recognizing these as fundamental human rights. Valuable progress has been made in increasing access to HIV/AIDS services, yet greater commitment is needed around the world if the goal of universal access is to be achieved. Millions of people continue to be infected with HIV every year. In low- and middle-income countries, less than half of those in need of antiretroviral therapy are receiving it, and too many do not have access to adequate care services.
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Tibetans in Dharamshala marked the 21th Anniversary of ‘World AIDS Day’.  The theme of the World AIDS Campaign until 2010—‘Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise’ was truly evident during the day.
World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us - individuals, communities and political leaders - to take action and ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care are met.
To affirm this relevant day CHOICE—HIV/AIDS Initiative and Department of Health of the Tibetan government-in-exile, organized a “Run for AIDS” Marathon and a ‘Drawing Competition’ to mark the World AIDS Day in Dharamshala. The day long activities were supported by Tibetan Settlement Office, Dharamshala along with KUNPHEN Centre, Tibetan Women’s Association and Tibetan Volunteer for Animal.
Local Tibetan and Indian people, students of TCV schools, and foreign tourists took part in the event ‘Run for AIDS’ and ‘Drawing Competition’. The marathon was made intentionally short distance run from Tsuklakhang (main temple complex) to Bhagsu Nag and return. This was aimed to attract maximum number of participants and was to create a general awareness about the disease.
‘I am accepted, stop AIDS, keep the promise’, so read the campaign T-shirts distributed free at the Tsuglakhang courtyard where the gathering was held to mark the World AIDS Day.

Addressing the gathering, the acting secretary of the department of health Sonam Choephel Shosur expressed the Department of Health’s concerns about the disease slowly taking toll on the Tibetan community and the need for the Tibetans to work together in combating the disease. The minister for health Chope Paljor Tsering also conveyed his concerns through a statement read out by Choephel. The department also announced free HIV checking at its hospitals.
A 'Run for AIDS' Marathon was flagged off by Miss Tibet 2009 Tsering Choezom, who was the special guest for the occasion, encouraged Tibetan youths to take every precaution to protect themselves from contracting HIV, emphasizing the practice of safe sex.
"We must not forget that a little mistake can ruin not just one's own life but also the lives of many others. We must realize that our short-term pleasure can prove deadly for us. Please use condoms” said Ms. Choenzom.
She further stressed there is an apparent 'taboo' in the Tibetan community and also in other communities in regards to HIV/AIDS. "We must not shy away from talking about sexual education and knowing HIV AIDS, and we must integrate those already infected by the virus and help them fight it. Only then our society will be free from this disease."

The marathon started around 10:30 am and within hour all the runners completed their race and returned to Tsuklakhang. In between, drawing competition was also held with HIV/ AIDS as the theme. Several people including school children took part in the competition and show their concern for the day through their drawing and paintings.
During the later part of the day the organizers arranged a mobile announcement in bi-lingual viz. Tibetan and Hindi throughout the Dharamshala periphery (namely Meclod Ganj, Kotwali Bazar, Forzer Ganj, Gangkyi and Nobulingka insititute). This was possible with the support and help from Dr. Sood D.A.P.O Dharamshala and Local NGO named C.O.R.D.
During the campaign condoms, pamphlets in Hindi, Tibetan and English were also distributed. Local NGO C.O.R.D, KUNPHEN Centre and CHOICE distributed surprise gift to the general public while asking simple questions on HIV/AIDS to make the campaign more unique and valuable.
Overall the day was a huge success for the organizers and supporters.

Acknowledgements: CHOICE—HIV/AIDS Initiative is immensely grateful to Dept. of Health, Dept. of Home CTA Dharamshala, and their full support and financial assistance. CHOICE also wishes to extend sincere gratitude to Tibetan Settlement Office, Mcleod Ganj, Dhramshala for sponsoring banners and wall posters. Nonetheless CHOICE also acknowledge the support and sincere efforts from the staffs of the Tibetan Settlement Office, Dharamshala in making ‘Run For AIDS’ successful.
We immensely share our gratitude to Tibetan Women’s Association (Centrex) for sponsoring 400 campaign T-shirt for free distribution and also being involved in ‘Run For AIDS’ Marathon and Drawing Competition.
CHOICE—HIV/AIDS Initiative deeply thanks to KUNPEN Centre for co-operating every means of support and implementing from beginning to end.
We also acknowledge Tibetan Volunteers for Animal in designing posters and banners and also in joining hand combating HIV/AIDS.
Most of all on behalf of organizers and event supporters we thanked Ms. Tsering Choezom, Miss Tibet, 2009 for being her presence as special guest and sharing her truthful concern towards this disease in our society. We also thank PHAYUL.COM for facilitating the advertisement on ‘RUN FOR AIDS’ on their website that enables us in reaching widest possible audience worldwide about the event.
Last but not the least CHOICE thank the entire participants and media persons who see the need to combat the disease from earliest.