May 30, 1997
The Red Ribbon Centre operated by the Department of Health was officially opened by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten on 30.5.97.
Sponsored by the AIDS Trust Fund, the centre has come into operation since December 1996.
A spokesman for the Department of Health said that "Red Ribbon" is the international symbol for concern over HIV/AIDS and people living with the disease.
"The main objectives of the centre are to promote community participation in AIDS education and research; and to facilitate the development of social, behavioural and epidemiological research on HIV/AIDS in Hong Kong and the region.
"It also aims to enhance the development of quality education programmes; and to provide an avenue for local and international collaboration in the fight against HIV/AIDS," he said.
Equipped with an information centre, an exhibition area, a library and a resource unit, the centre will provide support to small non-governmental organisations working with AIDS. Audio-visual and desktop publishing facilities are also available.
The spokesman pointed out that the centre would not provide treatment facilities as it was only meant to be a resource centre.
Those who want to know more about AIDS are urged to enrol as Friends of Red Ribbon Centre. They will have the privilege of receiving the centre's newsletters and other publications regularly free of charge.
For enquires, please call the Red Ribbon Centre direct on 2304 6268.