UN Foundation President Timothy E. Wirth Commends Partners on Progress and Urges Individuals to Take Action on World AIDS Day

“We have many reasons to celebrate the accomplishments and progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS. New HIV infections have been reduced by 21% since 1997 and deaths from AIDS-related illnesses have decreased by 21% since 2005 – the lowest rates since the peak of the epidemic, according to a new report by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). But we also recognize the tremendous work that remains in this urgent, global fight.

“Today we stand with our partners at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, UNAIDS and (RED), to encourage everyone to reach the global goal of an AIDS-free generation by 2015. We have the tools necessary to prevent the disease, but we can’t do it alone.

“Join us at the UN Foundation on this World AIDS Day to make a difference. It’s easy to help. You can donate or share the message with your friends and colleagues. Together, with your support, we can change the course of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.”

Ways You Can Make a Difference on World AIDS Day

Make a Donation:
Donate INSPI(RED) BY (RED) to the Global Fund through the UN Foundation to support specific HIV/AIDS programs in Africa.

Create a panel for the (2015) QUILT
Join people around the world in designing a unique panel for the (2015) digital quilt, which pledges to bring us closer to the end of AIDS. It is simple to do and takes as little as 30 seconds.

Tweet the following on Twitter:
Today is World AIDS Day. Tell the world that an AIDS Free Generation is due in 2015. #endofAIDS @joinred http://f.joinred.com/qwx

Update Your Facebook Status: 
Today is World AIDS Day! Help us spread the word that an AIDS Free Generation is due in 2015. No child should be born with HIV http://f.joinred.com/Mpl

Learn More About the Current State of AIDS:
UNAIDS and The Global Fund have released updated information on AIDS around the world.  Due to significant work by organizations such as UNAIDS and The Global Fund it is estimated that nearly 50% of people eligible for antiretroviral therapy now have access to lifesaving treatment. Additionally it is estimated that 2.5 million deaths have been averted since 1995 due to treatment.

Join the Community:
Become a supporter of the (RED) Campaign, The Global Fund, UNAIDS, and UN Foundation to learn more about how you can join the discussion and become involved.

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About the United Nations Foundation 
The United Nations Foundation, a public charity, was created in 1998 with entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner’s historic $1 billion gift to support UN causes and activities. The UN Foundation builds and implements public/private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and works to broaden support for the UN through advocacy and public outreach. Through campaigns and partnerships, the organization connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The campaigns reduce child mortality, empower women and girls, create a new energy future, secure peace and human rights, and promote technology innovation to improve health outcomes. These solutions are helping the UN advance the eight global targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). For more information, visit www.unfoundation.org.