Do Something - World AIDS Day

World AIDS day was yesterday, December 1st. As we were driven through town, we saw chains of students from different schools lining the boulevard for the occasion. It was so surreal to see hundreds of 13 year-old children waving AIDS awareness posters, chanting prevention slogans, and shaking pompoms to gain the attention of those passing by.


Apparently there was competition between all of the school for the most spirited and informative display. I was glad they were there, spreading the news in their very innocent way about how to fend off probably the deadliest enemy their country faces – AIDS. In partnership and continuation of their campaign of awareness, I wanted to share just a few staggering statistics (with sources) to hopefully raise yours.

40.3 million people are infected with AIDS worldwide (Dec 2005 National AIDS Trust stats)

AIDS is a worldwide epidemic that spreads unchecked with 1 new infection every 15 seconds - almost entirely in the poorest nations (Global Change site stats)

8000 people die everyday from AIDS – 5 people every minute (World AIDS Day stats)

6000 children are orphaned daily because of AIDS (World Vision stats)

More than 5 million Indians are living with HIV/AIDS. (2004 BBC article stats)

India has the second highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world after South Africa. India accounts for almost 10 per cent of the 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS globally. (‘You and AIDS’ site stats)

You can help do something about it. (Me)

Please visit the following World Vision link, click on the “Learn: Test Your Knowledge About AIDS” link, take the quick test, and see how you may get involved.

World Vision Link

Thanks,
Jimmy