World AIDS Day 2008

December 1st marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Since 1988, the world’s nations have made huge strides in the fight against AIDS. No longer does AIDS have to be a death sentence as drug treatments have proven to prolong an infected patient’s life tremendously. This year, the theme for World AIDS Day is leadership and the slogan being chanted across the globe is, “Stop AIDS. Keep the promise.”

Leaders from every spectrum from scientific researchers to politicians are being urged to do all they can to stop the spread of the AIDS epidemic. Leaders are being urged to remain faithful to their promises and their commitments to stop AIDS in its tracks and to take any action necessary to fulfill those promises. Also, there is a call for leaders to stand up and take a firm stance on AIDS, including individuals and organizations; this can be in the form of letter-writing campaigns, discussions on AIDS/HIV or sponsoring educational events.

Since its inception twenty years ago, World AIDS Day has documented huge strides. Globally, AIDS has been acknowledged as being a huge threat to everybody and most governments have committed to making this threat diminish. There is much, however, that needs to be accomplished. While not all global regions have the necessary funds to fight this battle wholeheartedly, most regions have at least developed policies regarding AIDS. Those who suffer from HIV/AIDS are still discriminated against in many countries. The rates of infection, while diminished in some respects, are still occurring at a rate that is rapidly beating, by almost 3 times, how many people can get treatment for the infection. HIV/AIDS drug treatments have become more accessible to some, but of those countries that are considered low and middle income, a paltry 31% of people who would actually benefit from these drug treatments are able to get them.

The goal of World AIDS Day is that “of universal access to comprehensive prevention programs, treatment, care and support by 2010.” With only 2 years left to go for this ambitious goal, there is much work left to be done. One person who is doing his best to put a stop to AIDS is John Edwards. He states, “The loss from HIV/AIDS is almost beyond understanding. This is a fight for people’s lives. We have a moral imperative to do much more, and do it much better.” Despite losing the Democratic bid for president, Edwards is tenacious in his plan to help spearhead universal health care that would include specific objectives to rid the world of HIV/AIDS. In the United States last year, roughly 40,000 people contracted HIV; globally, over 4 million people contracted HIV. With millions dying from this virus each year, it is imperative that leaders put aside their differences and join together in the fight against AIDS worldwide.