Turkmenistan marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day on 1 December. On this occasion, the ministry of healthcare and medical industry, the ministry of culture, TV and Radio Broadcasting of Turkmenistan and UN agencies in Turkmenistan organized the information event titled "Unite for Future! Unite Against AIDS and Drugs!" It was held at the Makhtumkuli Student''s Theatre in Ashgabat.

A video message by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon opened the event. He called on the peoples of the world to consolidate their efforts in the fight against the "evil of the 21st century".

Information materials were displayed in the theatre''s lobby. They were prepared by the "Health" information center and the AIDS Prevention Center of the ministry of healthcare and medical industry of Turkmenistan as well as the National Red Crescent Society and the Youth Center of Turkmenistan.

The issue of AIDS prevention as a whole and bringing up a healthy younger generation in particular is addressed at the government level in Turkmenistan, the Turkmen State News Agency (TDH) said. The important part of this multifaceted work is the implementation of the national programme of HIV/AIDS prevention, TDH said.