East Kent African Health Project (EKAHP)

WORLD AIDS DAY

Started on 1st December 1988 and observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is common to hold memorials to honor persons who have died from HIV/AIDS on this day. World AIDS Day is about raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. 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.

According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.2 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2007 some 2.5 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35.

A vast majority of people with HIV and AIDS live in lower- and middle-income countries. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world.

World Aids Day is an opportunity to bring people together to talk about HIV.  Diversity House with partners in the East Kent African Health Project (EKAHP) and the Eastern and Coastal Kent NHS will be holding series of events ranging from outreach, drama and music to highlight the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV.  By attending the East Kent African Health Project event on 28 November 2009 in Sittingbourne, Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet you can help spread the word and break the silence on HIV.

We ask that you join us in this campaign by doing the followings:

· Sponsor our event

· Organize an event – healthy walks, cake sale, coffee morning, Art exhibition, village ball, etc.

· Wear a Red ribbon - the red ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness that is worn by people all year round and particularly around World AIDS Day to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment.

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