Progress has been made......But it's still a pandemic

[marmar]

12/1/09 - World AIDS Day


President Zuma and UNAIDS Executive Director call for mass prevention movement at World AIDS Day commemoration in Pretoria


To mark World AIDS Day, UNAIDS Executive Director Mr Michel Sidibé joined President Jacob Zuma and South Africans in their national commemoration in Pretoria where he called for the forging of a mass prevention movement.

Mr Sidibé was in the company of the President of the Republic of South Africa Mr Jacob Zuma and Minster of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi at the Tshwane Events Centre in Pretoria for an event attended by thousands of participants. At the event, President Zuma made a commitment to take an HIV test, personifying the theme of the South African celebrations–I am Responsible.

Mr Sidibé, in his World AIDS Day address referred to South African President Mr Zuma’s landmark speech in October to the National Council of Provinces in Parliament. That speech, praised by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, marked a fundamental break from the past outlining bold and ambitious goals to turn the tide on AIDS epidemic.

“I am here today to stand in solidarity with your commitment and vision—you are giving hope to so many millions who have been waiting for South Africa to join the front line in the global response,” said Mr Sidibé.

In South Africa an estimated 5.7 million were people living with HIV in 2007; the world’s largest population of people living with HIV. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region most heavily affected by HIV worldwide, accounting for over two thirds of all people living with HIV and for nearly three quarters of AIDS-related deaths in 2008. ...........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.unaids.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Resources/FeatureStories/archive/2009/20091201_WAD_MS.asp


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from the Gay Men's Health Crisis:


New York, NY - On December 1, 2009, World AIDS Day, GMHC will reaffirm its commitment to continue helping diverse groups disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS, including people struggling with crystal methamphetamine use. GMHC is announcing an innovative, interactive crystal methamphetamine resource, www.MyMethLife.org, which aims to curb the rampant spread of this disease in this underserved community. The organization is also launching a re-designed, easy-to-navigate Web site, www.gmhc.org, complete with new resources for people seeking HIV services such as testing, treatment, counseling, prevention education and other care.

Founded 27 years ago by New Yorkers responding to a mysterious disease, originally called Gay-related Immune Deficiency (GRID), GMHC along with the face of HIV and AIDS has changed. The disease is now on the rise among heterosexuals, women, African Americans, Latinos and men who have sex with men (MSM). Crystal methamphetamine use is also a contributing factor to the increasing rates of HIV.

"GMHC has evolved throughout the years to provide essential services and cutting-edge resources to meet the varying needs of diverse people living with, and affected by, HIV and AIDS," said Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, GMHC. "World AIDS Day is an important opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come in the fight, while also continuing to encourage everyone directly or indirectly affected by the disease in New York City and around the world to help 'Fight AIDS. Love Life.'"

In addition to launching new HIV and AIDS resources in New York City, GMHC will be hosting a number of activities to commemorate people who have been lost to or are still living with HIV and AIDS. The GMHC building has been transformed into a modern HIV installation with 10,000 magenta adhesive notes, each one representing 10 New Yorkers - or over 100,000 total - currently living with HIV and/or AIDS. There will be a gathering and candlelight vigil in the evening, featuring speakers and performances by diverse groups including Vogue Evolution of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew." Fifteen Cosi® restaurants citywide will also be contributing to the cause, donating a percentage of their World AIDS Day proceeds to GMHC. For details and participating locations, please visit: www.GetCosi.com

"I am one of the thousands of New Yorkers living with HIV and represented by GMHC's art installation on World AIDS Day," said Kevin Beauchamp. "I'm so grateful to GMHC and all the important services and resources they provide. They are a lifeline for so many people."

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GMHC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide prevention and care services to more than 15,000 men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City, and advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.


http://www.gmhc.org/news-and-events/press-releases/nations-oldest-aids-organization-launches-innovative-tool-to-reach-new-faces-of-hiv-on-world-aids