Oct. 7, 2004 – Africans United Against Aids Globally, the international organization, will host the Ultimate Battle Against HIV AIDS on Saturday, Oct. 9, on St Croix. The theme of this event will be Celebrate Life.
According to a press release from the organization, Delegate Donna M. Christensen, who has been a leader in the fight against HIV AIDS across the world, has joined as a co-chairman for this event to educate the people of her country about this global epidemic.
To spotlight the initiative there will be world class wrestling at Paul E. Joseph Stadium in Frederiksted from 2 until 7 p.m.
Local musicians will entertain and speakers will educate throughout the day, according to the press release.
VICARE, a community AIDS resource center will be circulating flyers and condoms. VICARE will also conduct AIDS tests. Yolanda Meldonado, of the Frederiksted Health Care Title Three Program, will circulate literature, condoms and conduct AIDS tests also. Jason Henry, from the Department of Health will be present as well.
The organization in its press release said that now is the time to fight this battle because "AIDS is the worst epidemic humankind has ever faced."
It continued, "The virus infects 14,000 people every day, leaving millions of people suffering and having a devastating effect on the world's most vulnerable, the children. More than 14 million children worldwide have been orphaned because of AIDS. That's the equivalent of every child under five in America with no one to watch over them. By the end of 2003, an estimated 350,000 to 590,000 Caribbean adults and children were living with HIV/AIDS. New infections appear to be growing: In 2003, 45,000 to 80,000 new cases appeared in the Caribbean. That's about 25 percent more than the number of people infected in North America. In 2003, 30,000 to 50,000 people in the Caribbean died from HIV infections. If we don’t take every opportunity to stop HIV/Aids now it will be too late."
For information about the event call Tiahmo Rauf at 713-4747.
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