Ignorance and prejudice are fuelling the spread of a preventable disease. According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 39.5 million people living with HIV, including 2.3 million children, and during 2006 some 4.3 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35. In the US alone, more than 40,000 people were diagnosed with HIV in 2005 and over 450,000 are estimated to be living with HIV.
World AIDS Day, 1 December is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This year, it's up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice.
4 comments:
So, what do you suggest I do to help with this?
The first thing we can do is fight the predjudices that those who are infected deal with daily. We do this by educating those that you work with all the time about God's love for everyone regardless of their history or condition. Likewise, we should act in love and find opportunities to work with organizations that help those who have been affected by the disease. Finally, you can pray for those who have been affected. We the "Church" must be a source of grace, forgiveness, and mercy. Stepping beyond the mindset that everyone infected is a sinner or was a sinner and love the people as God has called us to do.
Do you know of any "quality" aids organizations that provide charity, etc? I would be interested in learning more about that and possibly get students involved with at least helping out financially.
First, I would contact your local health department and ask to speak to someone about their HIV Prevention/CARE program. They should be able to put you in touch with the various organizations in the area. Getting the kids involved locally would help them to put faces to the stats which will be the most effective counteraction to prejudice. Making friends and seeing actual people that are dealing with the disease is always much more impacting. As far as national and international charitable groups their is an organization here called Oceans of Mercy that is a good one. I am also a big fan of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Let me know if you need more ideas.
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