In observation of the World AIDS Day 2018, December 1, the Middle East and North Africa Harm Reduction Association (MENAHRA) launched with the support of MAC AIDS Fund “Say Yes to Know!” campaign to highlight the rights to access to services and treatment for people living with HIV, to support them without discrimination, especially for people who inject drugs in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The campaign activities took place in 7 countries in the MENA (Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, and Yemen).
On December 1, MENAHRA released an animated infographics in both English and Arabic, in addition, MENAHRA created a list for Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) centers in the MENA under the title “Where you can find VCT centers in MENA” to encourage everyone to take the necessary tests, including “self-testing” to detect HIV.
Also, MENAHRA participated in the World AIDS Day meeting that was held by the Lebanese NAP, and distributed t-shirts with the campaigns logo and raised awareness about the “Say Yes to Know!” campaign.
The Middle East and North Africa Network of/for People who Use Drugs (MENANPUD) has also released leaflet on HIV to raise awareness on HIV in the MENA region.
In Afghanistan, Mr. Abdul Raheem Rejaey from Bridge Hope Health Organization (BHHO) has printed and distributed Say Yes to Know leaflets in three languages English, Dari and Pashto.
In Bahrain, MENANPUD members in cooperation with Reproductive Health Society organized a meeting with a group of Drug Users to raise awareness of the objectives of “Say Yes to Know” campaign and to encourage HIV testing.
In Egypt, Tamkeen Association held training under the campaign’s themes to raise awareness on HIV with the presence of local media which wrote about the event.
Also in Egypt, MENANPUD members distributed leaflets with the campaigns logo and raised awareness about the “Say Yes to Know!” campaign.
In Lebanon, SIDC carried out a “Vox Pop” with pedestrians in Hamra area to explore the general public basic knowledge on HIV, HIV testing centers and facilities, and their attitudes towards working and dealing with people living with HIV.
Also in Lebanon, Skoun Lebanese Addictions Center in partnership with MARSA created a video for World AIDS day that would explain what VCT is.
In Morocco, MENANPUD members in participation with Hasnouna filmed a video to raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing and to highlight on HIV prevention methods.
In Pakistan, Pakistan Society organized two days open seminar followed by a street play with the theme “Say YES to KNOW”.
Also in Pakistan, MENANPUD members printed and distributed “Say yes to Know” leaflets to raise awareness on HIV.
In Yemen, MENANPUD members printed and distributed “Say yes to Know” leaflets to raise awareness on HIV.
Various people from the MENA region also took part in the campaign by posting pictures and supportive messages on social media sites including Facebook and Twitter.
