An art exchange programme to prevent HIV/AIDS with the title, “a Moment of Time”, was held by the Centre for Community Health and Development (COHED) under the public health research and development centre on June 24 in Hanoi.

The programme was a response to the first HIV/AIDS prevention communication campaign month this year launched by the Vietnam Administration of HIV/AIDS Control and the Ministry of Health.

The exchange was attended by professional and amateur artists and people infected with HIV from provinces and cities across the country. Apart from creating an active image of people living with HIV, the programme also aimed at raising community awareness of HIV/AIDS and drugs.

Do Anh Nguyet, doctor from the COHED, said the goal was to use art performances to communicate deep psychological things and sentiments to break barriers in society.

The exchange left deep impressions on the audience, especially foreigners. Mrs Karen Knight, who is an American, said: “I am working for Pact in Cambodia, a global organisation that builds the capacity of local leaders and organisations to meet pressing social needs in dozens of countries around the world. The organisation also relates to HIV/AIDS. Traveling to Vietnam for business this time, the art performances by people living with HIV left a deep impression. They performed wonderfully and professionally. Especially the song “Three sparkling candles”, which was a message that encourages HIV/AIDS-infected people to overcome difficulties and disease through reliance on the affection and protection of parents and family."

BTA