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Using Fashion and Beauty to Fight AIDS
This week we’ve been keeping you posted about the crisis situation in Zimbabwe and mounting international pressure on President Robert Mugabe to step down. Despite a staggering cholera epidemic sweeping Zimbabwe, Mugabe continues to deny the magnitude of the epidemic, adding further chaos to the growing crisis. Today the New York Times published a fascinating and insightful piece on where things currently stand.
Excerpts below, full piece here
The outbreak is yet more evidence that Zimbabwe’s most fundamental public services — from water and sanitation to public schools and hospitals — are shutting down, much like the organs of a severely dehydrated cholera victim.
Zimbabwe’s once promising economy, disastrously mismanaged by President Robert G. Mugabe’s government, has been spiraling downward for almost a decade, but residents here say the free fall has gained frightening velocity in recent weeks. Most of the nation’s schools, which were once the pride of Africa, producing a highly literate population, have virtually ceased to function as teachers, whose salaries no longer even cover the cost of the bus fare to work, quit showing up.
In a country that already lays claim to the terrible distinction of having the second highest proportion of orphans in the world — one in four children has lost one or both parents — the closure of schools and hospitals is hitting these most vulnerable children mercilessly.
-Chris Scott
GWU Gets Active
George Washington University’s ONE Campus Challenge Chapter joined the Student Global AIDS Coalition on their campus to help organize a whole week of events to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS in DC. The events began on Monday, December 1st with a display in University Yard, a large grassy area of GWU. They had balloons lining the pathway through University Yard, with certain sections of balloons cordoned off to represent those who have died of AIDS in the past few months in the Washington, DC area.
Also on Monday, the Student Global AIDS Coalition tabled in Kogan Plaza, a place many students use as a shortcut to get to their classes. During this tabling session, a few ONE GW members were in charge of speaking to those who approached the table, while others handed out free ribbons, coffee, pastries, and information. The free stuff got a lot of attention from people passing by on their way to classes or work.
On Tuesday, they held a panel discussion entitled “Fact vs. Fiction: The Truth About HIV/AIDS.” At this event, ONE GW promoted FACE AIDS, an official ONE partner organization run by students dedicated to fighting the spread of AIDS in Africa. Private donors match the money raised from sale of lovely hand-beaded pins for $5 each, and the money goes to Partners in Health (PIH), a nonprofit providing AIDS treatment and comprehensive healthcare to patients in Rwanda. Coming full circle, FACE AIDS employs patients of PIH in Rwanda to make the pins, providing them with an income they wouldn’t otherwise be able to get.
On Wednesday, the coalition sponsored a free HIV testing event, available to everyone on campus, that turned out quite a few people and helped remove the stigma of testing.
One of the major events of the week, the Coffeehouse, was held on Wednesday night. This event, primarily sponsored by ONE GW’s partner GW Students for Fair Trade, brought the topics of HIV/AIDS, poverty, and fair trade together through live music, free fair trade coffee and free food. The event captured attention and convinced people to sit down and listen to speakers on all of the aforementioned issues. ONE GW had a table at the Coffeehouse, placed strategically in front of the entrance, where ONE information, bands, and the FACE AIDS pins were available to the general public. During this event, ONE GW was able to band over 40 people, and educate them on what ONE GW does and how it relates to HIV/AIDS.
On Thursday, ONE GW participated in an AIDS Prevention Workshop, again selling FACE AIDS pins. As a result of ONE GW’s tabling efforts, over 30 pins were sold, and a good amount of money will be donated to the FACE AIDS Campaign.
-Emily Stivers
The White House Answers Your Questions
Last week we told you about an online forum hosted by the White House and Ambassador Mark R. Dybul to commemorate World AIDS Day and answer the public’s questions about HIV/AIDS both at home and abroad, as well as the success and challenges of PEPFAR. It was an excellent opportunity for people all around the world to speak directly with the Bush Administration about the progress made in the fight against global disease and what the next administration can be expected to face.
Excerpts below, full transcript here
Randy, from Washington, DC writes:
Why has PEPFAR been so successful? What are the biggest challenges ahead?Mark Dybul
PEPFAR reflects the principles of President Bush’s New Era of development: country ownership, good governance, results-based programs and accountability, and economic growth. These reflect the internationally-agreed Monterrey Consensus and Paris Declaration. The fact that we’ve been able to partner with the countries where we work and support them in achieving results in their countries has been fundamental to our success.The current economic crisis may cause some to look inward to only work on problems in this country, but as President Bush and Secretary Rice have emphasized, this would be a serious mistake. Our work abroad, with PEPFAR and other development initiatives, not only benefits countries around the world, but also advances the United States’ economic, security and moral interests.
Jiesheng, from Birmingham, United Kingdom writes:
What steps has the US taken in working with the global community in reaching Goal 6 of the Millennium Development Goals (Combat HIVAIDs, malaria and other diseases?)Mark Dybul
Thanks for asking about this – my other answers have focused on our U.S. bilateral HIV/AIDS programs, but your question gives me a chance to highlight the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This is an important part of our approach, and it also provides a mechanism for other countries that don’t have the bilateral programs the U.S. has to contribute to the effort against the three diseases. President Bush provided the founding contribution to launch the Fund, and the U.S. remains by far its largest supporter, contributing approximately 30% of its resources. Today the Fund announced the latest results that have been achieved through the programs it supports, and the U.S. will continue to support this important mechanism – and to urge other countries to utilize it as a way to increase their own commitments. Again, thanks for the good question.
-Chris Scott
African World AIDS Day
Last week, the ONE Twin Cities group joined in on Minnesota’s “African World AIDS Day” or AWAD .
During the event, a large number of African and local community organizations queued up to table and share their domestic and international goals for fighting HIV/AIDS. The groups provided resources, such as free and confidential HIV testing, legal services, and more. The ONE Twin Cities Group was warmly re-welcomed by all at AWAD, and we were pleased to share how ONE works to raise awareness about extreme poverty and preventable diseases. We also talked about how ONE successfully lobbies our elected leaders for universal access to medications. Of special note was ONE members work earlier this year to help reauthorize the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief or “PEPFAR.”
After an ethnic lunch, attendees heard experts and survivors share insights about ending HIV/AIDS stigma, and Musicians like Mukamba and Munnah LIB Princess shared their talents. Along with comedy from the AWAD presenters, the event was very uplifting and positive.
I am so energized by the strength and excitement shown by my fellow ONE volunteers who participated in last week’s AWAD event. From the new volunteers to those who have been around for a while now, I can see that all ONE’s volunteers are truly dedicated. Below are the thoughts of the ONE volunteers who participated in Minnesota’s AWAD event. I hope that through their experiences, other ONE members can take away a new perspective, thought, or idea, and that they will consider taking action in their own communities.
African World AIDS Day in the Twin Cities
I first attended African World AIDS Day a number of years ago (now in its fifth year) and was very moved with the powerful program and the commitment to prevent HIV/AIDS, end the stigma of those living with the disease, and work to solve the huge number of other problems that are associated with HIV /AIDS.
Through empowering stories, performances, and presentations, HIV/AIDS heroes and expert specialists filled that afternoon with hope, ideas, and recognition of HIV/AIDS in African born Minnesotans and also to friends and family who remain in Africa.
Last year the ONE Twin Cities group tabled at the 4th AWAD event and we were able to share how The ONE Campaign advocates for universal prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS in African and other developing countries. In addition to having collected a large number of signatures, the Twin City Volunteer ONE members who participated in the event enjoyed a catered African meal and were treated with performances from Oromo Dancers, accounts from HIV/AIDS survivors recently arrived from Africa, actors, and a speech from keynote speaker and ONE supporter Princess Zulu, who we saw again recently at the Civic Fest event during Republican National Convention. The Twin Cities ONE Group made many new friends on African World AIDS Day 2007 and we are looking forward to seeing them again and developing new friends this year.
The Twin Cities ONE Group will be tabling at African World AIDS Day on December 6th, 2008 at South Senior High School, 3131 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55407. This free event runs from 1-4pm and is open to the public. Further details can be found here.
-Rochelle Gibbs, ONE Member Twin Cities
World AIDS Day: Seattle
Seattle ONE took part on World AIDS Day 2008 with Snohomish County RESULTS, the Snohomish County Health District and The Lifelong AIDS Alliance, as well as local, regional, national, and international AIDS prevention and treatment organizations to commemorate the day. With over 100 people in attendance, the evening started with a vigil march in a light drizzle down the road to the county’s AIDS memorial (only memorial of this kind in Washington State). There was also music by the local group Real Folk, a candlelight moment of silence, and networking with those who are HIV Positive, to encourage hope for a cure in our lifetime.
Speakers included Dr. Gary Goldbaum, director of the Snohomish Health District, and Teresa Rugg, a Snohomish County resident who spoke of her insights into the connection between HIV and tuberculosis in Africa. As Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN recently stated, in this day and age, TB somewhere in the world could quickly become TB anywhere in the world. Education and awareness is a frontline defense in preventing an epidemic. And evenings like this bring us together so those afflicted, and those close to those afflicted, needn’t feel so alone.
As Dr. Goldbaum told the local newspaper, The Everett Herald, “Locally our concern is preventing tuberculosis and HIV coming together. We are always on guard and encourage screening for HIV but we are always sensitive about TB and HIV together.”
An airborne disease, tuberculosis is particularly dangerous for those infected with HIV. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated one-third of those living with HIV are also infected with tuberculosis, and it’s responsible for nearly half of all AIDS deaths.
“People that are HIV positive can get started on medication and not develop AIDS for a long time,” Goldbaum said. “But we have new cases of HIV and AIDS — we are not doing enough. They are preventable.”
-Sammi Fredenburg
World AIDS Day Follow-up: Progress Made and the Road Ahead
Monday, December 1, was World AIDS Day. The global community has made tremendous progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS since the first World AIDS Day was observed in 1988. In 1996, at the Vancouver International AIDS conference, combination antiretroviral (ARV) treatment was announced to be highly effective in keeping those living with HIV healthy. Even with these medical breakthroughs, international actors were hesitant to attempt AIDS treatment in poor settings, due to the lack of infrastructure and other systemic barriers.
Fortunately, in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, the global community did come together to reach poor countries through international HIV/AIDS efforts. In 1996, the Joint United Nations Program on AIDS (UNAIDS) began its work. In 2002, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was established, and in 2003, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was launched.
These significant medical and programmatic achievements have been accompanied with promising results on the ground, even in the poorest settings. As recently as 2002, only 50,000 HIV-positive people in Africa had access to antiretroviral medicine (only 1% of those in need). By the end of 2007, 2.1 million Africans (30% of those in need) — and nearly 3 million people globally (31% of those in need) — were receiving treatment. Additionally, the number of children under 15 in low-and middle-income countries who receive ARV treatment grew from 75,000 in 2005 to 200,000 in 2007.
Earlier this week, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria announced that 2 million people are on ARV treatment through Global Fund supported programs; this is an increase of 43% since the results were reported last December. The Global Fund has also supported 62 million HIV counseling and testing sessions, and provided basic care and support to 3.2 million AIDS orphans and vulnerable children.
These results are impressive, but the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. With 33 million people living with HIV worldwide (of which, 9.7 million still need ARV therapy) and 7,400 new HIV infections every day, global efforts must continue to help eradicate this devastating pandemic.
-Rena Pacheco-Theard
World AIDS Day: Miami
The City of Miami recognized the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day yesterday with a candlelight memorial and tree lighting ceremony at the Miami Riverside Center. ONE volunteers participated in the event to help raise awareness, educate and motivate people to continue to fight the disease.
The event began with an invocation by Reverend Raymond Carvil, Sr. and featured several speakers including Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, Ed Resto from the Jackson Health System and Lillian Rivera, Miami Dade County Health Department Administrator.
After the tree lighting and candlelight vigil we had an opportunity to speak with Mayor Diaz and his staff. We talked about the goals of the ONE Campaign and thanked them for their commitment to raising awareness locally about HIV/AIDS and the devastating impacts of the disease.
We also talked to Commissioner Joe Sanchez about ONE’s presence in Florida, some of our recent activities in the area and our efforts to engage local leaders to help us raise awareness about extreme poverty and preventable diseases like HIV/AIDS. We gave him a ONE shirt and look forward to future meetings with his office.
By the end of the night we had passed out all of our wrist bands and made many new friends who share our commitment to fighting AIDS. With a collective voice, we believe that we can motivate our leaders to do more in the fight against poverty and HIV/AIDS.
-Sara Paterni
World AIDS Day in Washington
President Bush will deliver remarks today at 10:05 am EST commemorating World AIDS Day. We will post the webcast and transcript shortly, if they are made available.
Shortly after delivering his remarks, Mr. Bush will be joined by Mrs. Bush and President-elect Obama (via taped remarks) at the 2008 Saddleback Civil Forum on Global Health at 10:30 am EST. Pastor Rick Warren is expected to recognize President Bush for his work around PEPFAR (the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief). You can watch a live webcast of the event here.
Also in commemoration of World AIDS Day, Ambassador Mark R. Dybul, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator of the Office of National AIDS Policy will be hosting an “Ask the White House” online forum at 2 PM EST fielding questions from readers about World AIDS Day. Click here to submit your questions now.
We’ll keep you posted throughout the day with any other developments.
-Chris Scott
World AIDS Day 2008: 6,000 Reasons to Act
6,000 reasons… each has a name, a face, and a story. Today, like every day, 6,000 children will lose a parent to AIDS. Today, like every day, we have 6,000 reasons to care. Today, like every day, we have 6,000 reasons to offer hope. – from the “6,000 Reasons” World AIDS Day 2008 group curriculum
I wanted to let you know about “6,000 Reasons,” a new World AIDS Day 2008 one-lesson group curriculum put out by ONE partner World Vision, in collaboration with Willow Creek Association and the Fuller Youth Institute.
Numbers can often bury the real story. For me, statistics can often becoming overwhelming. Despite the overwhelming numbers, we do have real ways to act in fighting a treatable and preventable disease like HIV/AIDS.
“6,000 Reasons” reminds us, however, that behind the numbers are real faces, names, and stories of the 6,000 kids who experience great loss each day because of HIV/AIDS. In collaboration with the Willow Creek Association and the Fuller Youth Institute, ONE partner World Vision has put together a FREE downloadable resource for congregations, families, small groups and others in time for World AIDS Day.
To check out “6,000 Reasons,” visit the sign up site at Willow Creek to view or download this valuable education, awareness and action resource. There you will find two videos, a leader’s guide with group activities and discussion questions, as well as action items that give your church group clear next steps for how to respond to the AIDS pandemic.
While World AIDS days is officially December 1 every year, congregations across the US will be lifting up World AIDS Day on Sunday, November 29. As ONE’s members respond this World AIDS Day, people of faith are reaching into their own traditions to not only reflect on the impact of AIDS but to respond in ways that can bring about focused change amidst the pandemic.
-Adam Phillips
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