FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2008

Media Contact:
ASHA Media Relations
P.O. Box 13827
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
(919) 361 - 3124 (voice)
(919) 361 - 8425 (fax)
mediarelations@ashastd.org

World AIDS Day 2008
Annual commemoration promotes a theme of “Lead – Empower – Deliver”



RTP, NC-- World AIDS Day 2008 will be commemorated this year with a call for policy makers to make good on promises of adequately supporting HIV prevention and treatment programs.

World AIDS Day is held annually on December 1st to increase awareness of the worldwide impact of HIV/AIDS. Organized by the World AIDS Campaign, the theme last year was “leadership” and encouraged both individuals and policy makers to take action and make HIV support programs a priority. This year the focus will be squarely on the gaps in political leadership that deny HIV/AIDS programs sufficient resources to reach those most in need.

UNAIDS estimates that 33 million people around the world are currently living with AIDS, most of whom are in impoverished areas like Sub-Saharan Africa. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are over 1 million people currently living with HIV/AIDS, about a quarter of whom don’t know they’re infected. HIV/AIDS also disproportionately impacts African-Americans, who make up roughly half of all cases.

ASHA president and CEO Lynn B. Barclay says “We know there are economic barriers to HIV care and prevention, but we should also be aware of the role discrimination and stigma play in driving this epidemic.” Barclay says that while greater collaboration is needed between governments, pharmaceutical companies, and humanitarian organizations to make sure that medications to treat HIV/AIDS are available to those who need them most, a “whole person” approach to treating the disease is needed. “Those with HIV need support that includes medical care, stable housing, and simply being treated with dignity. It’s important to look beyond the disease, to go deeper than facts and figures, so that we’re able to see real, live human beings.”

For more information, visit the World AIDS Campaign website. Learn more about HIV/STD prevention at ASHA.