On 9th March 2008, Tianjin HIV/AIDS Association together with Tianjin Deep Blue Workgroup and Tianjin Cool, inaugurated peer education activities to develop in-depth MSM community understanding, in a bar in Tianjin. Li Hui, Country Manager from the Global Fund Round 6 and Lou Mei from the National Sex Association supervised and led a group of 160 people from the Hong Qiao District Health Epidemic Prevention Station (EPS) and friends of the MSM community, to join this activity.
The party started at 10pm. The first item was a self-directed drama on human painting “Da Yi de Jie Ju” (Careless Ending). This innovative and creative performance started the night with a big bang. Director Gao from the HIV/AIDS division of the Hong Qiao District’s Health EPS gave an introduction concerning the current trend of the epidemic to help participants gain a better understanding of HIV/AIDS in Tianjin. Volunteer Xiao Bao from Deep Blue Volunteer Workgroup demonstrated the correct way to put on a condom. He even used a plastic model to demonstrate putting on a Trojan condom with his mouth. His demonstration won him roaring cheers and applause from the crowd. A small production on HIV/AIDS prevention by the group received warm response from the audience as well. “The party proceeded in the midst of roaring laughter… and the knowledge and information on HIV/AIDS prevention was clear in our minds, in such a cordial atmosphere.”
That night, the Hong Qiao District Health EPS staff carried out mass HIV screening for the crowd. The mass screening helped to allay concerns over registration of names and particulars as in individual screenings. Some of those who were aware of Deep Blue Workgroup’s activities brought along their partners for the mass screening as well. This high level of trust for the Working Group, spurs them on to continue and persevere in the work.
Deep Blue Workgroup’s Belief: Change begins with Diligence; Perspiration crystallized through giving.
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