Each year World Aids Day is observed on December first in order to raise awareness and focus on the HIV/AIDS epidemic. 1998 saw the first World Aids Day established by the World Health Organization. Many people wear a red ribbon to show their support for those living with HIV/AIDS. This has been a symbol since 1991 when the Red Ribbon Project was created by New York based organization Visual Aids.
Here are some startling statistics about HIV worldwide:
33.4 million people living with HIV worldwide
31.3 million adults
15.7 million women
2.1 million children under 15
New HIV cases in 2007:
2.7 million people
2.3 million adults
430,000 children under 15
HIV-related deaths in 2007:
2 million total deaths
Locally, Equality Maryland Executive Director Morgan Meneses-Sheets spoke at Frederick Community College this morning. This event was sponsored by Frederick Community College L.I.F.E. (Love is for Everyone).
The Maryland World AIDS Day State Commemorative was held from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Infectious Disease and Environmental Health Administration sponsored this.
This afternoon will begin the Celebration of Community and World AIDS Day Coalition’s “Service of Remembrance” and Candlelight Vigil. This will include the traditional reading of names of family, friends and loved ones from the Book of Life, as well as thoughts from community members, and music by The Positive Voices of Baltimore.
A service will follow the candlelight vigil, which will include speakers and musical performances and the lighting of the Washington Monument with red lights. Please join Equality Maryland’s Development and Communications Director, Kevin Walling, for the service and vigil.
The times and location of this event are as follows for today:
3:00 pm: Service of Remembrance
6:00 pm: Community Service
7:00 pm: Candlelight Vigil
Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church (10 E. Mt. Vernon Place, Baltimore)
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Bill Palmer at w.j.palmer@verizon.net.
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