By: matisse_witness, Posted: Dec 1 08

HIV-AIDS

Health HIV AIDS, video

Today is the 20th World AIDS Day- a day to commemorate those who have died from the disease, but also a day to advocate for better preventative care and education, access to treatment, cheaper drugs to treat the disease, rights of those living with the disease, and much much more.
In August, some of my colleagues attended the bi-annual AIDS Conference, held this year in Mexico City. They conducted video trainings for participants in how to interview fellow activists about issues related to HIV/AIDS in their home countries. We created a page with those interviews and links to actions you can take here.
At Global Voices Online - there will be a live chat hosted on Dec 3rd - for bloggers and activists to discuss "how to use citizen media to help improve awareness and information about the AIDS epidemic." Information about how to participate in the conversation is here.
Finally, as a follow up to our ongoing campaign in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where as I'm sure this community is well aware, the situation is dire, we continue to ask for support in urging the government of the DRC to provide access to health care and anti-retroviral drugs for the at least 1.3 million people living with HIV there.
Please, take action by signing this petition aimed at the DRC government:
Read about the trip two WITNESS staff members took to DRC in September with Senegalese musician and advocate Youssou N'Dour to meet with government officials about the crisis. here:
You can also watch the video "Awaiting Tomorrow" to be reminded that when we say we are fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the world, we are really fighting for our and our fellow human beings' welfare.