AIDS is an affliction which impacts the lives of over 33 million people across the globe. Established in 1988 by the World Health Organization, World AIDS Day seeks not only to educate those unfamiliar with the epidemic but to focus positive action-oriented attention.
In America alone, over 1,000,000 people are living with AIDS.
In New Mexico, the number of people living with AIDS is over 2,700.
In a proclamation from President Obama, he notes that while the global AIDS number of people living with AIDS is high,
" . . . the death rate is slowly declining due, in part, to our Nation's global effort through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program. However, HIV remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Women and children around the world are particularly vulnerable due to gender inequalities, gaps in access to services, and increases in sexual violence. While the statistics are distressing, new medications and scientific advancements give us reason for hope."
This news is encouraging, but there is a long road still ahead.
President Obama also calls for us to take part in appropriate activities which remember those lost to this disease as well as activities which comfort those who are living with AIDS.
In New Mexico, New Mexico AIDS Services provides education, support and community outreach to at-risk communities throughout our State.
They offer a variety of community-based health classes and even specialized education for women.
Like many other organizations which exist in our community, New Mexico AIDS Services relies heavily on donor support.
No matter how you choose to spend the day, the DPNM encourages you to remember those around you who may be living with AIDS or those in your life who have lost the fight against AIDS.
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