KATHMANDU,Nepal-The 24th World AIDS Day is being marked in Nepal by organizing various events on Thursday.

Peace Rallies, signature campaigns, awareness programs and blood donations organized by several organizations working in the field of the HIV/AIDS prevention marked the World AIDS Day 2011 in Nepal.

Likewise, at a key program organized in the capital, participants expressed their commitment towards eliminating the disease to zero level.

The program was organized by 24th World AIDS Day Main Celebration Committee with the theme of "Getting to Zero".

"Getting to Zero which means zero new HIV infection, zero discrimination towards the infected and zero AIDS related deaths," said Prabin Mishra, from among the speakers at the program.

Minister for Health Rajendra Mahato formally inaugurated the program by illuminating the traditional lamp.

Speaking at the program, Minister Mahato expressed the government's commitment towards working for the benefit of HIV/ AIDS victims and formulating programs to eliminate the disease.

The program also observed a minute of silence wishing for world health.

A book HIV/AIDS strategy 2011-2016 was also released during the occasion.

Likewise, the peace rally had several organizations as well as students from several schools participating with a red ribbon, which is the symbol of solidarity towards the cause of eradicating HIV/AIDS.

World AIDS day is observed on December 1 every year.