annual World AIDS Day.

World AIDS Day is the only international day of coordinated action against the deadly disease that has claimed 172 lives in Bermuda and thousands around the world.

The purpose of the day is to strengthen the global effort to meet the challenge of AIDS, to stimulate discussion and action about the disease and to enhance community support for HIV/AIDS programmes.

This year's theme "AIDS: A Community Commitment'' was selected by the World Health Organisation to stress the importance of local participation in stopping the spread of AIDS and to highlight AIDS activities organised throughout the year.

The Health Department yesterday said community response to World AIDS Day has been "tremendous''.

For the first time, residents and community groups from throughout the Island will take part in an ecumenical/candlelight service at the Anglican Cathedral in Hamilton on November 29 at 8 p.m.

On December 1, at 1 p.m., Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan will officially endorse the day as World AIDS Day when he reads the World AIDS Day Proclamation at a ceremony and AIDS Memorial Quilt launching at City Hall.

"World AIDS Day 1992 has provided community groups and organisations with an opportunity to sponsor activities that will increase awareness about AIDS,'' the Health Department said.

Local organisations such as Sandys Rotary, Black Box Productions, the Corporation of Hamilton, the Bermuda Arts Society and the Bermuda Industrial Union have organised or supported activities during the week of November 28 to December 4.

But as Bermuda gears up to observe World AIDS Day, many countries to the south of the Island are struggling to care for those with AIDS or the related virus.

According to the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) -- of which Bermuda, Caribbean islands, Surinam, and Guyana are members -- there are only two CAREC member countries who can afford drugs for AIDS treatment.

"Except for two, all other CAREC member countries are hard pressed to acquire adequate supplies of drugs to treat patients through the public health systems,'' CAREC Information Officer Mr. Leslie Fitzpatrick said.

"For instance, one of the prescribed drugs for treating HIV and AIDS can cost a patient up to US $375 a month, which is beyond the financial resources of the majority of patients as well as Ministries of Health given the steady increase in the HIV infections.'' Mr. Fitzpatrick said this underscored the necessity for regional governments to agree on cost-effective protocols for the care and treatment of AIDS patients.

At a workshop for scientists from the Caribbean last week, CAREC's Special Programme on Sexually Transmitted Diseases head Dr. John Farley said all patients, irrespective of their health status, have a right to live as long as possible.

DECLARATION -- Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan.