On 28 November 2025, the Marist Asia Foundation Health Team marked World AIDS Day 2025 with a community health program held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Marist Asia Foundation School. Guided by the global theme, Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response, the event brought together students, educators, healthcare professionals, NGOs, and people living with HIV to reflect, learn, and encourage one another.
The morning began with arrival and registration led by Pan Thit Sar and Year 5 students, followed by a brief moment of respect and silence accompanied by music. The opening ceremony was led by Sr. Anine Soe, RNDM, who welcomed participants and set a reflective tone for the day. Sr. Angela, RNDM, then outlined the significance of World AIDS Day, emphasizing awareness, compassion, and continued commitment to an effective and humane response to HIV and AIDS.
A memorial candle lighting served as a symbolic gesture of remembrance and solidarity, involving representatives from participating NGOs, MAF, FED, Kawnthaung, Medacross, and MAF patients. This was followed by a medical perspective from a doctor of Kawnthaung Hospital and Medacross, who addressed the ongoing challenges faced by people living with HIV in Myanmar and the importance of access to care and encouragement.
Participants then engaged in a period of conversation and sharing, creating space for dialogue and mutual support. Words of encouragement were offered by Ma Htwe Htwe Myint from FED, reinforcing messages of dignity, resilience, and hope. A short role play by MAF participants highlighted real-life situations related to stigma and understanding, leading into a powerful personal testimony shared by Thein Gi Htwe from MAF and FED.
The program concluded with a thanksgiving session led by Hla Win Than of MAF, followed by closing remarks from Fr. Fernando, SM, who thanked all contributors and participants for their openness and solidarity. The morning ended with group photos coordinated by Sayar John, capturing a shared commitment to compassion and action.
The MAF Health Program for World AIDS Day 2025 was a meaningful reminder that overcoming disruption requires listening, accompaniment, and a collective effort to transform the AIDS response with hope and responsibility.
