IMA World Health observes World AIDS Day

Students hug each other during the "Free Hugs: Hugging is really not contagious" campaign as they commemorate World AIDS Day at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. Hussein Malla/AP

On December 1, IMA World Health joined in the observance of the 23rd annual World AIDS Day – one of the most recognized international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness, remember those who have passed and celebrate the latest victories in treatment and prevention.

Recent weeks have seen two potentially major advancements for HIV/AIDS prevention. First, Pope Benedict XVI opened doors for condom use in a new book, Light of the World: The Pope, the Church and the Signs of the Times, as a potential preventive measure against HIV infection among some at-risk groups. Second, a new study released on November 23 showed that daily doses of a drug called Truvada, already used to treat HIV infection, could cut the risk of new infections.

Though studies and announcements alone do not stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, they are positive steps in combating the devastating disease that kills more adults in sub-Saharan Africa than any other cause and leaves thousands of children orphaned every year.

Current HIV/AIDS Facts from the 2010 UNAIDS Report

• Approximately 33.3 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2009
• An estimated 2.6 million were newly infected with HIV this year, 20% less than in 1999
• 1.8 million people died from AIDS-related illness in 2009, nearly 20% fewer than in 2004.

Though the numbers are still staggering, people are living longer due to the increased accessibility of effective, albeit costly, antiretroviral therapy. In addition, infection rates have slowed due to increased awareness and prevention practices.

IMA fighting HIV/AIDS

IMA World Health is actively involved in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment in the following countries:

• Tanzania: IMA is a partner in the AIDSRelief Consortium to provide care and treatment to over 180,000 people since 2004. IMA also recently completed programs for HIV care-givers and children orphaned or made vulnerable by the disease.
• Southern Sudan: IMA currently works with the Southern Sudan AIDS Commission and the Ministry of Health to enhance the provision of a range of HIV/AIDS prevention, as well as care and treatment services in the Jonglei and Upper Nile states.
• Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): IMA assists the Eglise do Christ au Congo in the implementation of their HIV prevention, care, treatment, and support services.

World AIDS Day

In observance of World AIDS Day, IMA will be hosting and participating in a variety of activities in its US and field offices to promote awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS and to note advancements. Activities include key stakeholders workshops, HIV testing for community members, radio awareness ads, community events, disseminating information and handing out red ribbons to event participants.

You can help IMA fight HIV/AIDS and other devastating diseases by making a donation to support IMA's work to advance health around the world. When you give by December 31st, your gift will have double the impact through our Matching Gift Fund! Please see our donation page for more information.