According to UNAIDS estimates, there were 37.2 million adults and 2.2 million children living with HIV at the end of 2004, and during the year 4.9 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35. Around 95% of people with HIV/AIDS live in developing nations. But HIV is a threat to all men, women and children on all continents around the world.
Started in 1988, World AIDS Day is about increasing awareness, education and fighting prejudice. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.
The theme of World AIDS Day 2005. “Keep the Promise” is an appeal to governments and policy makers to ensure they meet the targets they have agreed to in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Some of the most important of these promises are contained in the UNGASS Declaration and the 3 by 5 Initiative.
The UNGASS Declaration of Commitment was signed by all 189 members of the UN in June 2001. The governments of these countries committed themselves to taking action on HIV and AIDS in the fields of leadership, prevention, care and support, treatment, reducing vulnerability, and human rights.
This Saturday, December 3 from 7:30pm-8pm there will be a World AIDS Day candlelight vigil at the
Salt Lake City/County Building, East Stairs(200 E between 400 and 500 S.)
Speaking at the vigil will be Bishop Carolyn Tanner Irish of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, Charles King, Executive Director of Housing Works & National Co-Chair of the Campaign To End AIDS, Utah State Senator Scott McCoy Stuart Merrill. The Salt Lake Men’ Choir will also be performing.
Free HIV Testing will be offered by Utah Health agencies
Deanna Dee-Dee Taylor 