The Right to Universal Access -
World AIDS Day 2009
On 1 December, the Lutheran communion is called to join others worldwide in keeping the promise to stop AIDS.
World AIDS Day worship © Sidney Traynham |
HIV and Human Rights
World AIDS Day 2009 is putting the spotlight on HIV and human rights, in particular the right to universal access to prevention, treatment and care.
Violation of these human rights fuels the spread of HIV; defending them combats the global HIV and AIDS epidemic and reduces stigma, discrimination and the rate of infection.
HIV and the Church
World AIDS Day is a reminder that HIV has not yet been defeated.
In 2007, UNAIDS estimated that 33.2 million people worldwide, including 2.7 million children, were living with the virus that causes AIDS. Every year sees 2.5 million new infections.
Most people living with HIV are from lower and middle-income countries. Nearly 50 percent are women. Sub-Saharan Africa is more heavily affected by HIV and AIDS than any other region in the world, accounting for 22 million HIV-positive people.
Whether personally living with or affected by HIV and AIDS or not, all within the church belong to the same communion. In this sense, the church itself has HIV and AIDS.
Take Action
On World AIDS Day 2009, move beyond words and promises to actions that protect human rights and contribute to meeting global targets for HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support.
- Use the liturgy provided by the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance to plan a worship service on or around World AIDS Day.
- Read about HIV and AIDS, human rights and universal access, and inform others.
- Wear a red ribbon as a sign of solidarity for all those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, and a reminder of the need for advocacy and support.
- Attend local World AIDS Day events.
- Urge your church to make a commitment or renew its pledge to fight against the spread of HIV and AIDS.
- Challenge church leadership to hold governments accountable for discriminatory laws or travel restrictions for HIV-positive persons.
- Advocate your government to increase voluntary HIV counseling and testing and deliver antiretroviral therapy as public health services.
Read further to learn more, or contact the HIV and AIDS Desk:
Rev. Dr Veikko Munyika, Coordinator
Claudia Hoffmann-Denarié, Administrative Assistant
