ISLAMABAD, May 14: The International Day of Families is being observed on Sunday which provides an opportunity to raise public awareness about crucial issues concerning families and HIV/Aids. This year’s theme, ‘The impact of HIV and Aids on family well-being’, reflects the importance, which the international community attaches to families as basic units of society as well as its concern regarding their situation around the world.

The day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families as well as to promote appropriate action.

The day can become a powerful mobilizing factor on behalf of families in all countries, which avail themselves of this opportunity and demonstrate support of family issues appropriate to each society.

The United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Anan Saturday in his message on the occasion called upon the governments to develop and strengthen strategies and programmes aimed at recognizing the contribution of the family in reducing vulnerability and coping with the impact HIV and Aids.

Mr Anan said the HIV and Aids take a profound toll on families.

He said, the theme of this year draws attention to one of the most pressing challenges of our time. It is a challenge that affects families, extended families, communities, and governments around the world. — PPI