Officials and guests cutting a birthday cake to mark the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong Advisory Council on AIDS.

(Hong Kong - HKSAR)  The Under Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Gabriel Leung, has underlined the importance of vigilance and called for unfailing support and active participation in the challenging and meaningful effort against AIDS.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the 20th anniversary seminar cum reunion of the Hong Kong Advisory Council on AIDS (ACA) today (June 18), Professor Leung said the rise in HIV infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Hong Kong and the neighbouring region over the past few years had highlighted the importance of vigilance in preventing AIDS.

The Red Ribbon Centre of the Department of Health has responded by actively working with the local MSM community and forming an HIV prevention working group targeting MSM.

Professor Leung said that for over 20 years, HIV/AIDS had emerged as one of the most devastating public health disasters confronting mankind. However, he noted that unlike many parts of the world, HIV prevalence in Hong Kong had been maintained at a relatively low level for a long time.

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Photo credit: Hong Kong Department of Health