Today is World AIDS Day and the theme for 2006 is Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise which was chosen by the WAC (World AIDS Campaign). This slogan is targeted at governments and policy makers around the world to encourage them to keep their promises in regards to AIDS funding, treatment and prevention programs. The theme will run until 2010, with each year from now until then having a different keyword. This years keyword is accountability.
There are approximately 40 million people living with HIV currently around the world. Roughly 2,500 people are aware of living with HIV in NZ (2005- stats from http://www.moh.govt.nz/aids).
You can make a difference by:
making donations (there will be street collectors all day in the CBD area from 8am, and you can also donate at:
The Body Shop – all 26 branches of this retail organisation nationwide will be collecting and will have displays with condoms and "safety gear" posters in every shop
Waitakere DHO in Auckland are displaying and collecting in 30 clinics
Sky Television will be displaying and collecting in their main office in Auckland
Queen of the Whole Universe Pageant – Aotea Centre, Auckland, (proceeds to NZAF)
Film screening: "3 Needles" Academy Cinema, Auckland, a portion of the ticket sales will go to Body Positive and NZAF – screening times 11am, 3:45pm, 8:45pm, 11pm
Bar collection for Body Positive – evening, K Road area, Auckland
(thanks to gaynz.com for the donations information)
lighting a candle at https://www.lighttounite.org/ - For every candle lit, Bristol-Myers Squibb will donate $1 up to $100,000 to the National AIDS fund (USA). They've reached their quota now, but any further candles lit will still add to the supporters statistics.
wearing a red ribbon to promote awareness. The red ribbon has been a symbol of solidarity for people living with/concerned about AIDS for 15 years.
talking to people about ending prejudice towards people living with HIV, and educate about preventing the spread of HIV
getting involved in future campaigns (contact the NZAF for more info http://www.nzaf.org.nz/)
More information about World AIDS Day can be found at http://www.avert.org/worldaid.htm and http://www.worldaidsday.org/default.asp
Information about the NZ Quilt Project: Promoting AIDS awareness and remembrance through memorial quilts can be found by contacting nzquilt@hotmail.com or calling (09) 302 7632.
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