International (MNN) ― Today is World Aids Day. This year's theme is "Leadership," and it's being promoted with the slogan, "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise."
Last year, three million people contracted HIV. Two million people died of AIDS-related causes, and 33 million people are living with it.
A family affected by AIDS is pushed further into poverty causing members of that family to make decisions that put them at greater risk of getting this disease.
That's why "Leadership" was selected as the theme for World AIDS Day. It was aimed at encouraging leaders at all levels to stop AIDS.
Built on the 2006 theme of Accountability, organizers felt Leadership highlights the discrepancy between the commitments that have been made to halt the spread of AIDS and actions taken to follow them through.
Because of the crisis, the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee today launched iEmbraceAIDS.com.
The site is to help a new generation be a light at the end of the tunnel that is the AIDS crisis and shine the light of Christ around the world. It will help educate young people, raise awareness, help them be part of the solution, or find a way to support ongoing work.
So far, the CRWRC carries out HIV and AIDS work in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Two projects in need of funding are:
India: CRWRC and EFICOR are working with local churches to lift the shroud of stigma from people living with HIV and AIDS, to stand against injustice of discriminating legislation, and to help stop the spread of this horrible disease.
Nicaragua: CRWRC and the Nehemiah Center in Nicaragua believes that, through open dialogue in light of the Word of God by the local church, change in attitudes and practices in the community is possible.
Click here for details on iEmbraceAIDS.com
