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] Media Release World AIDS Day 2008 in the Cook Islands 28th November 2008 (Rarotonga, Cook Islands) Monday, December 1st is World AIDS Day. It also marks the 20th anniversary of the first World AIDS Day in 1988. In the past 20 years, HIV & AIDS have changed the face of the entire world. These changes are apparent too in the Pacific Region. A number of events will mark the occasion in Rarotonga. The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is Lead – Empower – Deliver. At Tereora College, December 1 will form part of the program in which young people, the leaders of tomorrow, learn about health, including HIV and AIDS. This programme was organized by the National AIDS Committee (NAC) and spearheaded by the National HIV and STI Coordinator, Debbie Puati, and the Cook Islands Red Cross in collaboration with Tereora College. Mrs Puati says the focus is on building on the existing knowledge that the students have; exploring attitudes and values; and developing critical thinking in regards to HIV and AIDS and sexuality. “This is also an opportunity for the students to practice negotiation and communication skills when dealing with pressure situations,” she said. In the lead up to World AIDS Day, the Pacific Islands AIDS Foundation (PIAF), which is also a member of NAC, was honored to give a short presentation to the Parliament of the Cook Islands in which MPs were given a sneak preview of PIAF’s new booklet HIV & Your Rights in the Pacific Islands. While the booklets are targeted towards People Living With HIV and their families, they are a useful resource for anyone interested in the legal and human rights issues that face people infected with HIV. The book will be officially launched at the college on Monday. This will coincide with the launch of PIAF’s updated website, which students will be first to view. The same day, PIAF will also be doing simultaneous launches of the booklet in Fiji and the Solomon Islands, with versions of the booklet published in English, Solomon Islands Pidgin, and Fijian. Copies are available from the PIAF office in Tupapa, or in electronic form on their website,
www.pacificaids.org<http://www.pacificaids.org/, and translations into other Pacific Islands languages are already underway. PIAF would like to commend and thank the government of the Cook Islands, in particular the Ministry of Health for its involvement with NAC and Hon. Sir Terepai Maoate, Champion for HIV in the Cook Islands and Deputy Prime Minister, for his continuous support over the years on issues relating to HIV and AIDS. “In particular, this past year, he ensured the Cook Islands were the first country in the Pacific Region to speak out against the idea of isolating HIV positive people in “leper colonies” said PIAF CEO, Maire Bopp. “With regards to HIV and AIDS, it is vital that governments work alongside NGOs if we are to address the epidemic, and we are pleased to see this happening in the Cook Islands,” she said. The commitment to protecting the human rights of all people, whatever their HIV status, is a key component of the Cook Islands National AIDS Policy that is currently in development and will guide the Cook Islands response to HIV in the future. Sir Terepai has once again announced his support for World AIDS Day activities. He is expected to address Tereora students on Monday, on their equally important role in the quest for an “AIDS-free Pacific”, if his busy parliamentary schedule permits. The National AIDS Committee and all its members would also like to ask all Cook Islanders to take a moment to reflect on HIV, and to wear a red ribbon on Monday in recognition of World AIDS Day. Ribbons are available at participating organizations. Meanwhile, more World AIDS Day programming will be appearing on television and radio over the next week. In particular, PIAF will be airing selections from its video documentary Te tutu ete reo ote Patipika HIV (Faces and Voices of Pacific HIV) on Monday, December 1, at 7.30pm. The Committee and all its members would like to remind all readers to behave responsibly with respect to HIV not just on World AIDS Day, but every day. ENDS. For more information contact: Renagi Katiola Taukarai Communications & Media Officer Pacific Islands AIDS Foundation Rarotonga, Cook Islands Ph:+682 23103 Fax: +682 23102 Email:
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www.pacificaids.org<http://www.pacificaids.org/
There are two ways to reach the hidden city in the Andes - this can be done on foot or defeating 45 kilometer Inca Trail, which takes four days and about 400 U.S. dollars (since 2001 this route is suitable only with a licensed guide), or via train - the Cuzco or Ollantaytambo. Inca Trail surpasses our financial capabilities, but we do not want to get to the place of the legendary tourist train, and sitting comfortably observe the holy river valley Urubamby in which runner trek feet. This is a solution. You can go 28 km railway. 
