World AIDS Day 2006
HIV is one of the biggest social, economic and health challenges in the world. Despite best efforts from governments, non-profit organisations and healthcare practitioners around the world, HIV and AIDS is still having a huge global impact. Internationally, 40 million people live with HIV worldwide and with only 8% of people with the virus in developing countries having access to treatment there were 3 million deaths in 2005. In fact 5 people die of AIDS every minute. Every minute.
In fact, in the time it will take you to finish reading this post, five people will have been lost to AIDS. That's five teachers. Five artists. Five fathers. Five mothers. Five children. Five people, who may have changed the world.
That's five people too many.
But you can help.
Learn how to protect yourself and those you love by finding out the facts about AIDS and HIV. Make a donation to your local AIDS related charity, whether it be a donation of money or time. Support continuing research in the prevention and cure of the disease. Use protection during sex.
AIDS is not over and won't go away because we ignore it. AIDS is not happening elsewhere to other people. It's happening here in America. It's happening to you and me, and as close as our own families. Make a difference. Be aware.
Five more people are now dead.
You could be next.
World AIDS Day
UNAIDS
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
The AIDS Memorial Quilt
Scarleteen
National Aids Trust
International AIDS Society
AIDS - Google News
Elton John AIDS Foundation
AIDSWatch
AIDSinfo
AIDS.ORG
AIDS Action
For the rest of the day, this journal will be updated with facts,figures and links. No need to ask if you can link to or repost the information you find here. Spreading the message is what this movement is about. My icon is also up for grabs, and no credit is needed. You can also find World AIDS Day icons here and here.