International (MNN) ― New reports show at least three percent of Washington DC residents have HIV or AIDS. The numbers are a startling revelation and paint a grim picture of the loss of ground in the fight against the disease.
A one-percent threshold constitutes a "generalized and severe" epidemic, according to health officials. The 2008 epidemiology report by the United State's Washington district of Columbia's HIV/AIDS office shows infection rates rising throughout the United States.
The director of the District's HIV/AIDS Administration, once the head of the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's work in Zimbabwe, says, "Our rates are higher than West Africa. They're on par with Uganda and some parts of Kenya."
AIDS was the top killer among infectious diseases in China for the first time last year. The number of confirmed HIV infections also nearly doubled to 264,302 from 135,630 in 2005.
Governments are trying to put together an effective way to deal with the problem, which is faced on multiple fronts. On one hand, there is the problem of prevention, so the healthy remain healthy. On the other hand, there is the treatment and access to antivirals for the millions who are fighting to stay alive.
Both approaches are costly in terms of manpower and resources.
That's why a simple tool has proven to be a boon. In January 2008, E3 Partners and SIM International released the HIV/HOPE Cube in the hopes of stemming the rate of new infections. The cube makes it possible to share the heart of Christ along with the message of preventing HIV/AIDS.
The Cube uses pictures to dispel stigma and shows how to prevent the spread of HIV. The team, led by Steve McCool, is developing a curriculum to teach people how to effectively use the tool.
They're also working on government proposals that will allow them to work in countries devastated by HIV/AIDS.
Pray that each HOPE cube opens a door through which many are led to Christ.
