Do you think there will be zero AIDS in our world one day? Yes, zero.
Well, UNICEF hopes so! Supporting UNICEF’s global agenda to achieve an AIDS-free world, the 10th UNICEF Charity Run will be held on Sunday, 29 November 2015 – two days before World AIDS Day on December 1st.
More than 13,000 runners are expected to come together in the half marathon, 10 km, 5 km and 3 km races. This year, UNICEF Hong Kong aims to raise over HK$11 million to support UNICEF’s work towards ‘AIDS to ZERO’ by aiming for:
- ZERO new HIV infections,
- ZERO AIDS-related deaths, and
- ZERO discrimination against children and young people living with HIV/AIDS.
What’s Been Done So Far?
With the support of over 85,000 runners in previous years, UNICEF HK has successfully raised more than HK$66.5 million. Of which, HK$60 million has been channelled to UNICEF’s ‘Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS’ global campaign.
The dedication given by supporters and donors from Hong Kong and all over the world has not been in vain. Together with its partners, UNICEF has not only averted more than 1.1 million mother-to-child HIV transmission, but also reduced AIDS-related deaths by more than 40% through ‘one pill daily’ treatments. On top of that, UNICEF has also been progressively eliminating discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS through community, education and advocacy programmes.
Yet, There’s Still So Much More To Be Done.
Here are some worrying facts:
- Last year alone, 220,000 children – or 600 children per day – became infected with HIV through their mothers’ pregnancy, child-birth or breastfeeding.
- Today, more than two-thirds of those under the age of 15 living with HIV/AIDS still lack proper treatment.
- Across the globe, there are a staggering 13.3 million children orphaned because of AIDS, and left without adequate care and support.
“With timely and proper treatments, we can substantially reduce mother-to-child transmission and AIDS-related deaths amongst new-born babies. Our vision to achieve a ZERO-AIDS world is possible.”
—UNICEF HK Chief Executive Ms Jane Lau
UNICEF Charity Run 2015
In a bid to raise funds to build a better future for AIDS-affected children around the world, UNICEF HK will be holding the annual UNICEF Charity Run 2015 on Sunday, 29 November. It is the second largest long-distance running event in Hong Kong among those recognised by Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association (HKAAA).
Held at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Sunny Bay, runners can enjoy the beautiful scenery as they pass through the iconic resort, Inspiration Lake, and the promenade along the Airport Express Station.
Newly launched this year is the half marathon corporate relay, where invited companies take the opportunity to demonstrate their team spirit and corporate social responsibility. K. Wah Group, Principal Sponsor of UNICEF Charity Run 2015, is one such corporation on board the initiative.
In line with its 60th Anniversary celebrations this year and sustained efforts to promote the spirit of ‘Building the Future with Passion’, they have donated HK$2 million to support UNICEF’s work. Management and staff from all businesses across different regions, as well as their families and friends, are also encouraged to join the run towards ‘AIDS to ZERO’.
Show Your Support
Though the race registrations has closed on 2 October, runners and citizens in Singapore can still support their friends who have joined the race to run toward “AIDS to ZERO”. You can donate to the global cause to achieve a world of ZERO AIDS and spread the message.
To find out more, visit the UNICEF Charity Run website.
