World AIDS Day

December 1st was World AIDS Day. In Lusaka about 10,000 (completely made that number up) people marched about 3 km and ended with a big rally. The march was to start at 8:00am but organizers felt like it was not quite hot enough yet so we waited until 10:15 to start off. Really we waited for the grand marshal who was just running late. If 10,000 people waste 2 hours isn't that the equivalent of about 2 years. So the guy was 2 years late...but who's counting.

The march was impressive all in all. Eveyr organization involved in HIV work came out. As well, many for profit companies like the banks, grocery stores, and gas stations sent employees to be part of the march. Everyone is wearing their 2007 World AIDS Day t-shirts touting the theme: Lead by Example - Go for VCT (Voluntary Counselling and Testing) - Counselling has two 'l's here. We overtook the eastbound lane of one of Lusaka's biggest streets and made our way to Showgrounds which is the fairgrounds for Lusaka. Once there, goverment officials welcomed everyone. There were dancers and people went nuts for the free brochures. We met the Vice President of Zambia - Rupiah Banda.