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A "0.2- Twenty Years of AIDS in Hong Kong" sharing the stories of the most inspiring people and Posters and News Archives Exhibition Kick-off Ceremony was organised by the Red Ribbon Centre today (December 1) in support of World AIDS Day.

The Controller, Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Dr P Y Leung, and Chairman of the Hong Kong Advisory Council on AIDS, Dr Homer Tso, announced at the ceremony that the 10 most inspiring people selected by the public were Dr E K Yeoh, Mr Mike Sinclair, jj, Mr Zi-mu, Dr David Ho, Mr Wong Yiu-ming, Mr A, Miss Miriam Yeung, Mr To Chung, and Dr Ho Sik-ying.

The wife of the Chief Executive, Mrs Betty Tung, and Acting Director of Social Welfare, Mrs Agnes Allcock, presented souvenirs to the most inspiring persons or their representatives attending the ceremony.

Selection criteria for the most inspiring people included how inspiring the people were and how well their stories could raise awareness and promote acceptance in the society.

The "0.2- Most Inspiring Persons in Hong Kong AIDS Epidemic Poll" was organised by the Red Ribbon Centre between September and November this year to promote public awareness towards AIDS and giving support to AIDS patients.

A Red Ribbon Centre spokesman said the first HIV case was reported in Hong Kong 20 years ago.

"A novel disease at that time, HIV infection was met with panic and fear. It was a death sentence to the public. Over the years, we have gained a better understanding of the disease. We have witnessed changes in areas of HIV research, treatment and care, acceptance level and the quality of life of people with HIV infection.

"From these inspiring persons and their stories, we hope that awareness in the community can be raised by reflecting on lessons learnt in the last 0.2 century, and preparing for the challenges with HIV infection in Hong Kong ahead."

The poll was divided into two phases - the nomination phase and the polling phase. A vetting panel selected 10 most inspiring people from about 70 nominations submitted by individuals and organisations during the nomination phase. Dr David Ho, Mr Zi-mu and Miss Miriam Yeung got the highest number of votes during the polling phase involving more than 700 members of the public.

Souvenirs will be awarded to those who have nominated the selected people. Participants in the polling phase will be given the "Love under the Sun" VCD as a token of thanks.

The Posters and News Archives Exhibition will be held at the Hong Kong Central Library Exhibition Gallery 4-5 until tomorrow (December 2) for free public visits. More than 100 posters and hundreds of news articles on AIDS are presented systematically to bring out development and influence over the past 20 years. The exhibition will then be moved to other venues, including the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the City Hall, Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin City Halls. Details on the timing of exhibition are available at the website www.aids.gov.hk.

Also officiating at today's ceremony was the Chairman of the Red Ribbon Centre Management Advisory Committee Rev Chu Yiu-ming.

Ends/Wednesday, December 1, 2004

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