December 1st is World AIDS day. Every year, organizations around the world use this day to create awareness about HIV and AIDS. The goal of this year’s event is address the need for human rights and access to treatment.
According to the World Health Organization, over 33 million people were living with HIV/AIDS in 2008. Based on their joint report with UNAIDS - The 2009 AIDS Epidemic Update - new HIV infections have been reduced worldwide by 17% over the last eight years. In Africa, this amounts to about 400,000 fewer new HIV infections in that time. Asia and Europe have also seen their infections drop by as much as 25%.
Michel Sidibé, the Executive Director of UNAIDS, says that the evidence of declines is due, in part, to HIV prevention programs.
One of the prevention programs that we at OneTribe.com support is Grassroot Soccer. This non-profit uses the power of soccer to teach HIV prevention skills to at-risk youth in developing nations.
It is important for programs like these to succeed because, even though we are seeing declines overall, some areas continue to explode with new infections. In fact, roughly 2.7 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2008. Additionally, there are more people living with HIV than ever before due to population growth and better treatments.
One of the key messages of World AIDS Day is “respect.” By respecting and protecting ourselves and others we can stop the spread of HIV and HIV prejudice.
- To learn more about the fight against AIDS, visit UNAIDS.
- To find out about what you can do on World AIDS Day, visit the official web site.
- To see what Grassroot Soccer is doing to prevent AIDS around the world, click here: GrassrootSoccer.org.
One Tribe is proud to profile socially responsible events and organizations. To learn more about what we do, connect with us at OneTribe.com.
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