WORLD AIDS DAY (KEEP THE PROMISE)

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Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day is not just about raising money, but also about increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done. The United Nations says 33 million people are infected with the HIV virus which can cause the disease. During 2007 some 2.5 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. Around 95% of people with HIV/AIDS live in developing nations. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world.

• EVERY 7 SECONDS SOMEONE CONTRACTS HIV
• EVERY 11 SECONDS SOMEONE DIES FROM AIDS

NUMBER OF PEOEPLE LIVING WITH HIV IN 2007:

TOTAL ~ 33,200.00

ADULTS ~ 30,800.00

WOMEN ~ 15,400.00

CHILDREN ~ 2,500.00

NUMBER OF AIDS DEATHS IN 2007:

TOTAL ~ 2,100.00

ADULTS ~ 330,000

You can help us to get everyone talking about HIV on 1 December 2007. You have a vital role to play on World AIDS Day and there are lots of ways you can make a difference:

• FUNDRAISE: Raise money to support AIDS awareness organizations that work to help people living with HIV.
• GET THE RED RIBBON: Wear a red ribbon for World AIDS Day to help get people talking about HIV. The red ribbon has been an international symbol of HIV for 15 years. Wear one with pride for World AIDS Day to show your support for the 40 million people living with HIV worldwide. Awareness and prevention go hand in hand. Help prevent the spread of HIV and get people talking by making the red ribbon visible.
• JOIN A NETWORK: Become a friend of World AIDS Day on MySpace and Facebook. Social networks are a powerful and effective way to show your support for World AIDS Day and help raise awareness of HIV among your friends and acquaintances. Whether you have 5 or 500 friends in your network, your words can have an impact on others -- and make a difference in the fight to stop the spread of HIV.

IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THEM...IT'S ABOUT US! WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE...GET EDUCATED~GET TESTED~GET INVOLVED~GET TREATED. Since the beginning of the epidemic, experience has clearly demonstrated that significant advances in the response to HIV have been achieved when there is strong and committed leadership. Leaders are distinguished by their action, innovation and vision; their personal example and engagement of others; and their perseverance in the face of obstacles and challenges. However, leaders are often not those in the highest offices. Leadership must be demonstrated at every level to get ahead of the disease - in families, in communities, in countries and internationally. Much of the best leadership on AIDS has been demonstrated within civil society organizations challenging the status quo. Making leadership the theme of the next two World AIDS Days will help encourage leadership on AIDS within all levels and sectors of society. We hope it will inspire and foster champions within a range of different groups and networks at local and international levels.