The Ministry of Health along with the 3H Foundation and the Ministry of Tourism through the HIV-Aids Agency will be hosting a "Walk for Life-It is your life" marathon on December 4th to commemorate World AIDS Day.

The event, which is expected to become a popular event for Antiguans and Barbudans will cover different mileage lengths for running and walking depending on the age of the participants.

Organizer of the World AIDS Day Walk Shantia Weatherill says that the event will be spearheaded by Earl "Old George" Daniel who will be arriving in Antigua on Tuesday.

Ms Weatherill also notes that this exercise will also focus on the devastating effect that HIV/AIDS is having on the Caribbean community and how it will affect our daily lives.

She cites that the "Walk for Life" marathon will give Antiguans and Barbudans a chance to wake up and realize that the problem must be shared by all, and although they or their love ones are not affected they are still at risk.

The walk will be done in all countries of the region at the rate of approximately once per month. The first was done in St Vincent and the Grenadines in July 2004.

World AIDS Day will be celebrated on December 1st. (ends)