By ACNS staff

Young people in Hong Kong have been challenged to produce a short film on the subject of HIV/AIDS in the run up to this year's World AIDS Day.

The competition, jointly organised by Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui's St. John's Cathedral HIV Education Centre and the Hop Yuen Charitable Foundation Fund, is running the competition to promote the 2011-2015 World AIDS Day theme: Getting to Zero.

Backed by the United Nations, the "Getting to Zero" campaign focuses on the goals of zero new infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths.

Data released by the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health shows that in Hong Kong the cumulative total of HIV infections reached 6,342 by the fourth quarter of 2013. The record high number of cases has shown that AIDS is still a major public health concern to Hong Kong.

The short film - between 3 and 10 minutes - can be on a range of issues facing those with HIV including social care, society's attitudes, and ideas of how to reduce infections and discrimination towards those with HIV to zero.

The winning entry will receive $5000 and a trophy presented at an award ceremony. Those in second and third place are set to win $2,500 and $1,500 respectively.

Entries can also win a popularity award by garnering the most Facebook 'Likes'.

St. John's Cathedral HIV Education Centre was founded in 1995 to respond to the AIDS epidemic. It is under the auspices of St. John's Cathedral and is governed by a Board of Directors. The daily activities are carried out by a team of paid staff and dedicated volunteers.

Services offered include: AIDS & reproductive health programmes, interfaith cooperation, sex education for youth, research and practicum. Through targeted prevention and educational programmes, the Centre aims to limit the spread of AIDS in Hong Kong and to promote acceptance and to reduce stigma attached to HIV/AIDS.

For more information contact: manager@sjhivctr.com