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World AIDS Day 2007

Established in 1988 by the World Health Organization World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1st to bring attention to the AIDS pandemic. The latest estimates by UNAIDS states that there are 33.2 million people on the planet who are living with HIV.

In our twenty-six year battle with AIDS, humankind has made some progress. The life-prolonging effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy have aided in the decline of the number of people dying from AIDS-related illnesses. These signs of progress, however, are not enough to proclaim that we have conquered the illness. Inflicting 6,800 new infections and 5,700 AIDS-related fatalities each day, HIV/AIDS maintains its status as the leading cause of death globally.

"As the number of new HIV infections continues to climb here in the United States and around the world, World AIDS Day is just one reminder of how much more work the nations of the world have to stop, treat and cure this horrible epidemic," says Joseph Lovett, Executive Producer of the award winning film State of Denial. Social activists and documentary filmmakers, like Lovett, have long been amongst the vanguard in the fight against AIDS; bringing attention and raising funds to combat the many ways in which HIV/AIDS is affecting the global community.

Until there is a cure it is vital that we have access to films that focus on safe sex and AIDS awareness such as the third annual Media That Matters Film Festival selection Luv Me Latex and the PUMP (People Using Media to do Prevention) PSA Price of Life. At the same time, it is equally important that we showcase the stories of people who are living with HIV. Because the virus affects everyone on the planet, from children dying of AIDS in Kenya to an American woman married to a long-term AIDS survivor, educating individuals and communities on how to best live in an HIV positive world is paramount.

To actively participate in World AIDS Day 2007 you might consider screening some of the AIDS-related films highlighted in the Media That Matters Film Festival, such as Ashray, iThemba or I Promise Africa.

Other ways you can take action on World AIDS Day include attending a World AIDS Day event, pledging your leadership to stop AIDS or joining in the global support for the human rights of people living with HIV and AIDS.


Further Actions & Resources:

    &bull Send an e-card to expand HIV awareness.
Starts12/01/2007
Ends11/30/2008
IssuesFamily & Society, Gay/Lesbian, Health/Health Advocacy, Human Rights, International, Media, Youth, AIDS
Homepagewww.worldaidscampaign.info
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Posted on November 30, 2007 in Event / Call to action by rockforlight