World AIDS Day 2008

December 1st is World AIDS Day. This is a day when individuals and organizations from around the world come together to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic. 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and AIDS.gov are working with Bloggers Unite to multiply the power of the voice by thousands to share the knowledge about the AIDS epidemic and encourage participation in the fight against AIDS.

In the countries most heavily affected, HIV has reduced life expectancy by more than 20 years, slowed economic growth, and deepened household poverty. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, the epidemic has orphaned nearly 12 million children aged under 18 years. ¹

The latest estimates indicate that at the end of 2003, HIV prevalence— the total number of persons with HIV—was roughly 1 million (estimated range between 1,039,000–1,185,000) [1]. Approximately one-fourth (24% –27%) of HIV-infected persons are believed to be unaware of their infection, underscoring the need to expand opportunities for HIV testing.²

There is much to be done to combat the spread of AIDS starting with HIV/AIDS prevention.

As some of you may know, Serah's is committed to helping in the fight against AIDS. Serah's hopes to donate $1000 to The Global Fund. One dollar from the purchase of select items will go towards this contribution. To view the select items, please click here.


I WANT TO READ MORE...
Learn more about the AIDS epidemic.
Read the 2008 Report on the global AIDS epidemic.
Related Serah's blog posts:The Fight Against AIDS

References:
1. UNAIDS (2008) ‘Report on the global AIDS epidemic’.
2. Center for Disease Control and Prevention HIV and AIDS in the United States: A Picture of Today’s Epidemic