Today’s World AIDS Day. Let’s “Face AIDS”
Hey AweLuvvers! I interrupt this regularly-scheduled ratchetness to let you all know that today is World AIDS Day. Some of you are aware that I’m co-founder of The Red Pump Project, an organization that combines my passion for social justice and my love of shoes to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. HIV/AIDS has been at my forefront since college, even though I didn’t personally know anyone who was infected. So I had to do something about it.
Anywho, December 1st has been World AIDS Day for the past 22 years, and this year’s theme is “Face AIDS.” Here’s a snapshot of the global epidemic:
- 33.4 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide
- 2.1 million of those are children under 15
- 2.9 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2009
- 1.8 million people died from HIV-related causes in 2009
- 67% of the people living with HIV/AIDS are in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Young people account for half of new HIV infections
Staggering stats, but not hopeless. According to UNAIDS, HIV infection rates and deaths are slowly declining around the world, but not enough for us to stop prevention and awareness work (as well as treatment).
I’m facing AIDS by going to get tested, blogging about it and Rocking the Red Pump™. Oh AND I’ll have on THIS Red Pump shirt.
It says “Being Negative is Priceless.” Get yours and other designs at the Red Pump online store. http://www.redpumpstore.com
BTW, if you use the coupon code REDPUMPWAD at our online store (www.redpumpstore.com), you’ll get 20% off your purchase today only.
HIV is nature’s oxymoron. Sex is supposed to bring forth life, but now, it can potentially destroy it. Let’s ALL stay safe. Know your status. Get tested. Drop the stigma. Face AIDS.
What will you be doing to commemorate the day?
Get these blogposts directly in your inbox! Sign up for my weekly LuvvLetter below:
It is time to write that book. Come into The Book Academy and learn how to go from IDEA to INK.
Related Posts
9 Comments
Thank you for your constant support. My granny was diagnosed with HIV when I was 8… and full blown AIDS when I was 12… it’s been 16 years and she’s still FULL of life. And I thank God for family and people/organizations like you who are spreading awareness and getting help for those who need it. Have a very blessed day, and please believe I’ll be handing out condoms while rockin my red pumps today!
WOW! That’s amazing. Love to here about SURVIVORS of HIV/AIDS.
I just ordered a Red Pump Project tee (The Being Negative is Priceless one)! Something I’ve been meaning to do for a while, but finally got around to it. Today seemed like the perfect day to do it. 😉
Thanks, Cheekie! I truly appreciate you for that. YOU DA BESS!
Got my tees!! Love this project and am very proud of all you ladies doing what you do to bring awareness on HIV/AIDS, particularly in the black community.
Kudos and bravo!
Love what you’re doing! Keep up the good work…
Thanks, Kay!
I’d also like to take the time to shout out Bassey’s World AIDS DAY poem http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid84700264001?bctid=691879244001
It was SOOOOOOOOOO dope! I loved everything about it. Bassey’s sick w/ it!