Mumbai: In commemoration of 20 years of the Indian HIV epidemic, UNAIDS awarded Civil Society Organizations, that through the years have been providing outstanding support, HIV prevention, treatment and care services at the community level.

The UNAIDS Civil Society Awards ceremony is a unique opportunity to give recognition to the outstanding and less recognized work of organizations and people who are finding innovative and effective ways to address HIV around the country. It aims to become an important vehicle for ensuring
that voices from organizations across India are heard and honoured.

The Awards given on the occasion of World AIDS Day 2006 are instituted to become a platform for consolidating the exceptional participation and contribution of the organizations that represent the Civil Society. The aim of the Award is not about winning, but about supporting people living with HIV through the recognition of outstanding leadership in addressing the epidemic.

The preparation for the Award was a long process with various State AIDS Control Organizations and Donor Agencies sending their nominations in different categories. The final names were selected by an eminent jury headed by Dr. Denis Broun, UNAIDS Country Coordinator and Jury Head.

Present at the occasion, Dr. Denis Broun, commented, 'India is facing a serious crisis and there is a great necessity to increase awareness about this epidemic. Events like these help to highlight the exemplary work done by various organizations and individuals in the field of AIDS. Through the Civil Society Awards, local voices are given a global platform and it serves to honor and celebrate outstanding community leadership and action that is helping to curtail the spread and impact of HIV'.