.
World AIDS Day takes place on the December 1 each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day.
Join our World AIDS Day prayer vigil on December 1: Sign up for a one-hour time slot during the 24-hour vigil at http://maryknollogc.org/aids-day-vigil
Globally, there are an estimated 36.7 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. Despite this, each year in the UK around 6,000 people are diagnosed with HIV, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with the condition.
World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.
Learn more about World AIDS Day at https://www.worldaidsday.org/
Plan a Worship Service on World AIDS Day or the weekend before or after. You can find ecumenical worship service outlines in English and Spanish at the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance web site: http://www.e-alliance.ch/en/s/hivaids/world-aids-day/index.html
Pray with the Maryknoll AIDS Task Force prayer at http://bit.ly/MaryknollAIDSprayer