The date is December 1, 2008
The death rate is at 25,000,000
The time for complacency is past
The time for change is urgent
Today the planet recognizes World AIDS Day in an effort to bring consciousness and caring to our world community afflicted and affected by one of the worst epidemics of our lifetime.
HIV/AIDS is the only mass scale disease that has ever had a ‘morality’ attached to it, thus causing a stigma and discrimination against those who are suffering. It’s the morality stigma issue that keeps people from being tested or seeking treatment. How a person contracts the disease should not be an issue of judging morality, but instead the focus should be on prevention and awareness.
Today, you would be hard pressed to find anyone who does not personally know of someone living with HIV/AIDS, or know of someone only a degree or two away from you.
Many people have become complacent of HIV/AIDS over the past decade, in part because it’s generally believed you can survive a full life with the current range of AIDS medicines available. That may be true in some instances, but certainly not all.
But what about those suffering in developing and transitional countries who cannot afford, or do not have access to these life-saving drugs? In that instance, prevention really is of ultimate concern.
Community
Outreach
There are wonderful organizations all
around us that are working to champion the cause of those living
with HIV/AIDS in need of a helping hand. One unique company that is
leading the way is Red Ribbon
Adventures.
The company provides small group adventure travel to various countries, where the vacationer gets to experience the fullness of the local culture, while at the same time having the opportunity to volunteer and visit with local HIV/AIDS organizations. It’s a win/win concept.
Take a moment today to say a prayer for those who are living with HIV/AIDS, and give thanks to those who are helping to fight this epidemic for those who no longer have the strength to fight for themselves.
Related Links:
Bill and Melinda
Gates Foundation
William J. Clinton Foundation
World Health
Organization
worldaidsday.org
Read more from this author at: RaveRantRage.blogspot.com
