World AIDS Day
There are over 1.1 million people in the United States living with HIV. Everyday this number grows. In the world the number of people living with HIV is 33.2 million. The cases in Minnesota reported as of 12/31/2007 is 8,504. These are only the people that know they are living with HIV. This does not take into account those who do not know their status. In 2007, there were 325 new HIV cases reported in Minnesota. 1 new case every 27 hours. You may not be directly affected by HIV but the chances are highly probable that you know someone who is living with HIV everyday, whether you are aware of it or not.
Most people are aware of the risks of HIV but yet, yearly HIV cases rise. Speculation is that as the younger generations didn't grow up with seeing their friends struggle with HIV/AIDS and the related illnesses and so they become complacent. While the medications available to manage the disease are far superior to what was available in the 80s and 90s, it also can cause people to underestimate the power of HIV/AIDS. While it is true that it isn't the death sentence that it once was, there is still no cure.
On December 1, the World will come together to observe World AIDS Day. A day that began in 1988 after a summit of health ministers from around the world called for a spirit of social tolerance and a greater exchange of information on HIV/AIDS. The World AIDS Day theme for 2009 is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.
Join the Minnesota AIDS Project at the Mall of America Best Buy Rotunda® on December 1 at 6 p.m. for the Minnesota AIDS Project World AIDS Day event and kickoff of the 2010 Minnesota AIDS Walk presented by ING.
Hear from the Minnesota AIDS Project on the importance of World AIDS Day as they thank those that have supported them, remember those we have lost, and ask you to join them as we remain committed to preventing HIV in Minnesota. Learn about a Best Buy Scholarship Contest, register for your own limited edition AIDS Walk t–shirt featured in the Banana Republic holiday fashion show, and watch as MAP reveals a new Minnesota AIDS Project logo.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Mall of America
Best Buy Rotunda
"Ignorance and prejudice are fuelling the spread of a preventable disease. World AIDS Day, December 1 is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS.... It's up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice." ~worldaidsday.org
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