I have recruited some of my friends to walk with me in this year's AIDS Walk. Super excited about it!
- Approximately 34 million people are living with HIV/AIDS world wide.
- 68% of all people living with HIV/AIDS are in Sub-Saharan Africa
- 91% of ALL children with HIV/AIDS are in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Approximately 20% of people are unaware they are HIV positive.
- New York City remains the epicenter of the epidemic.
- Gay and Bisexual men remain most affected.
- African Americans are disproportionately affected. 12% of the population 44% of new infections.
- Overall 60 million peopled have contracted HIV/AIDS and close to 30 million have died from it.
These are very sobering statistics. I have personally seen the devastating effects of this epidemic within my own family and home country, Zimbabwe. However, there is good news. AIDS related deaths & new infections across the world have declined; largely due to HIV/AIDS education & services being provided along with the availability of antiretroviral medication (ARVs).
When you see fundraising being done for HIV/AIDS, know that it is making a difference. The money is used to help with research, awareness education and ensuring that those living with the disease (especially the poor) have access to free or very low cost medication and in many cases food so they can maintain a healthy diet. Although there is still no cure for the disease, we are moving in the right direction. We have come so far and HIV/AIDS is no longer the death sentence that we used to be. I think it is a worthy cause to support!
My team would like to raise $500. We know that times are tough but if you can make a donation, I would appreciate it. The minimum online donation is $25 (if you can only donate less, please let me know)
MAKE YOUR DONATION HERE -----> http://bit.ly/149gDyf
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