World AIDS Day which falls on December 1 was celebrated at the Pyidaungsu Hall of Kyaikkasan sports ground in Yangon on December 1.

The event was attended and addressed by Union Minister for Health and Sports Dr Myint Htwe.

"The purpose of holding World AIDS Day-2019 on December 1 is to educate the public about prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. They must know current situations. People should know what the Ministry of Health and Sports is doing. Under this year's motto, without public participation, our ministry alone cannot work to achieve success in fighting any disease, let alone HIV/AIDS. We will be successful through public cooperation. This was also talked in a meeting between the State Counsellor and local people in Taunggyi, Shan State, about two weeks ago. No matter how much money the minister can spend, we may only achieve 30 or 40 percent in success without public participation. With public cooperation, we can achieve 85 or 90 percent if we spend 100 percent. I want to say on World AIDS Day that public role is important," said Union Minister Dr Myint Htwe.