World Aids Day 2011

World Aids Day: Getting to zero

The World Aids Day 2011 global theme is “Getting to Zero — Zero New Infections; Zero Discrimination; and Zero AIDS-related Deaths.”

New estimates released this week by the United Nations show new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths have fallen to the lowest levels since the peak of the epidemic in 1997.

Yet statistics show that, during World Aids Day itself, more than 1,000 babies will be born with HIV.

Martha Newsome, World Vision International's Partnership Leader for Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, said significant challenges lie ahead: “Many children and adults have not been reached with prevention, treatment, and support.

“Nearly 390,000 children were born with HIV last year, their mothers unable to obtain HIV testing and services, and far too many young people are still getting infected with HIV each day.”

World Vision’s programmes have supported thousands of children and their families who were affected by HIV and challenged the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV. But we dare not stop. World Vision will seek to contribute to the goal of Getting to Zero through supporting mothers to access the services, treatment and support needed to prevent transmitting HIV to their babies.

World Vision will continue to support efforts to reduce HIV transmission to zero and see a new generation of children free of HIV.

World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.

• Read Martha’s blog at http://www.wvi.org/wvi/wviweb.nsf/maindocs/58838D4A131A60A38825795600752B64?opendocument

1 December 2011