HIV Network Okinawa Intensifies Sensitization Campaign
Date Posted: 2000-03-05
A volunteer group known as HIV Network Okinawa, which has been running a program aimed at sensitizing the Okinawan public about issues related to HIV and AIDS, recently launched a phone card campaign to raise funds for their project. The group’s activities involves members of the Okinawa Public Health Association, and they educate the public through a series of events and phone counseling The AIDS Telephone Card costs ¥1,000 a piece, and gives the holder discount rates on local phone calls within Japan. Besides the phone card campaign, anyone wishing to contribute to the course of public education and information on the deadly virus can send contributions from ¥500 upwards to the organization.
The number of people affected by HIV is increasing daily in the world. In Japan, the number of people infected stood at 4,671, and some 2,114 AIDS cases were reported by August 1999. The mission of HIV Network Okinawa is to increase awareness programs for the youth and for the public in general.
For more information on HIV Network Okinawa programs and the AIDS Telephone Card, contact the Okinawa Public Health Association @ (098) 945-2686 (Mr. Tomimoto) or (098) 835-8217 (Ms. Hanashiro).
