It's World AIDS Day.
And we remember.
We remember the 25 million people who have died of AIDS since the epidemic began.
We remember that there are more than 33 million people in the world who are living with HIV now.
We remember that each year, nearly 3 million people are newly infected with HIV in the world.
We remember that almost every one of those new cases could have been been prevented.
We remember that the United States took too long to respond to the epidemic, and that U.S. policies privileging abstinence over condoms and safer sex education still put people around the world at risk.
I remember my friends and colleagues who died way too young -- Bill, Danny, Billy, Stuart, Lacey, Marjorie, Damien, Michael. You have your list too.
And we remember those who insisted on a sane, compassionate, realistic response to the epidemic: to my brave colleagues in Act Up, local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control, the WHO. Those who continue to work to make sure we do not forget and we do not give up working for prevention and services for people living with AIDS and adequate medications and education for everyone.
We remember -- with love and a conviction that there is still so much more work we must do.
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2 comments:
We remember that, even still, we must take days like this to remember still.
Honoring World AIDS Day with the GAIN Clergy Network at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, FL.
Thanks, Debra.
Rev. Dee Graham, Campus Chaplain, Sarasota Campus Ministry
Hi,
1 in 4 sexually active teenagers become infected with an STD every year, in the United States alone. Now, more than ever, we need to join together to fight this growing issue. As I read through your website, it is clear that you share the same passion for STD/STI awareness. We here, at Disease.com, understand the importance of STD/STI prevention and treatments. If you could, please list us as a resource or host our social book mark button, it would be much appreciated. We can not reach every teenager, but together we can try.
If you need more information please email me with the sublect line as your URL.
Thank you,
Sharon Vegoe
Disease.com
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