AIDS is still a global epidemic, however we have not given up hope that we can eradicate it. This year, the movement to end HIV/AIDS continues on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2011.
It's been 30 years since the first reported cases of HIV/AIDS in 1981, and although we know significantly more about the virus, its eradication still eludes us. There are many ways that you can join the fight against HIV/AIDS with the following organizations:
one.org is offering a YouTube panel:
The event, The Beginning of the End of AIDS, is a live discussion powered by YouTube, featuring former Presidents George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton, Bono, Alicia Keys and more. The panel -- with help from partners at the Tema Clinic in Ghana, Keep a Child Alive, the Bush Foundation, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Saddleback Church and others -- will tackle key questions on the fight against AIDS, including where we are today, where we're falling short, and what it's going to take to end this preventable disease for good.
As well as a World AIDS Day Challenge for college students (see which schools are leading the way!):
For this challenge, it's time to plan and execute a World AIDS Day event for your campus. Take a stab at creating your own campaign and event for this December 1st global day of awareness - but be sure to include these facts about HIV/AIDS and don't forget to give folks an action to take (sign ONE's latest petition, write a letter to the editor). Your campaign will be judged on the creativity and effectiveness of your event, and on the quality of the advocacy actions.
NAT, a UK charity aimed at changing society's perceptions of people with AIDS, is involved with hundreds of events. The site worldaidsday.org encourages people to ACT aware and "bake" aware.
You can also download 2011 posters for free at AIDS.gov and worldaidscampaign.org and read about the theme for this year, "Getting to Zero."
World AIDS Day this year is about "Getting to Zero." Zero New HIV Infections. Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS Related Deaths.
Backed by the United Nations the "Getting to Zero" campaign runs until 2015 and builds on last year's successful World AIDS Day "Light for Rights" initiative encompassing a range of vital issues identified by key affected populations."
Check online (aids.gov and other sites) to find out more about what you can do, and don't forget to wear your red ribbon!
Watch the video above to see how one mother was successful in preventing the spread of AIDS to her daughter.