World Aids Day

Breda Gahan, Global HIV and AIDS Programme Advisor for Concern, discusses the reality of the HIV and AIDS epidemic in 2007.

AIDS is among the leading causes of death, globally, and remains the primary cause of death in Africa. Worldwide 2.1 million people died of AIDS in the past year and 2.5 million people were newly infected – about 6,800 every day.

An estimated 33.2 million people are currently living with HIV globally, which means more than 330 million people are directly affected; mothers; fathers; brothers; sisters; carers; children; siblings and grandparents.

The main question is why is there ongoing annihilation of human beings from this terrible infectious disease? HIV is technically 100% preventable and HIV and AIDS related illnesses are increasingly treatable.

Decrease in infection rates

Although new infections have dropped, as reported in the latest UNAIDS AIDS Epidemic Update, the number of people living with HIV and AIDS is still growing. More people infected with HIV are living longer, thanks largely to antiretroviral drugs. This means that treatment and care are vital, while not forgetting prevention.

The downward revision of numbers currently infected means the extent of the problem is somewhat less, but it is still a huge human tragedy – and a huge development challenge – that needs continued and sustained action. In eight countries in southern Africa, above 15% of the adult population is infected with HIV and the whole of society is thus affected by HIV and AIDS. 

Whilst acknowledging the success of falling HIV infection rates being reported among young people in some African and Asian countries, decreasing emphasis on prevention and treatment efforts now will allow the further spread of HIV and AIDS. Gains will be lost.

In Uganda, the much-lauded prevention gains of the 1990’s are being lost, as infection rates begin to climb again (PlusNews June 2007).

Considering the knowledge gained now about the prevention of HIV and AIDS transmission from mother to child, no child should be born with HIV in 2007. Yet, more children are being born worldwide with HIV.

Epidemic facing the extreme poor

There is still a huge epidemic out there and it affects the extreme poor, marginalised and powerless in this world disproportionately – so there is no time for complacency. With over 5,700 deaths every day due to AIDS, the impact on surviving family members, usually children and grandparents, is barely being addressed. 

Nelson Mandela has said that, "history will surely judge us harshly if we do not respond with all the energy and resources that we can bring to bear in the fight against HIV and AIDS". Will Ireland continue to lead the international response by our commitments and actions? This is not a time for slowing down efforts.

World AIDS Day in India

India faces what has been described as a "shifting epidemic" of HIV and AIDS, with women and young people fast becoming some of the most at risk groups. Concern's India office is working with partners to raise awareness of this. Read on

Dealing with HIV stigma - Liberia

Concern is supporting Liberian partner organisation ELWA to help people suffering from HIV fulfill their potential and deal with the stigma they face.

Anna, Famatta and Faith are HIV positive. All three Liberian women have faced isolation and prejudice from their families and local communities as a result of the stigma associated with HIV. You can read their stories below.

Anna (32): dealing with the problem
Famatta (32): a success story
Faith (40): another success story

From rejection to beacon of hope

Philgon Atieno, a 43-year-old widow living positively with HIV, is one among many unsung heroes in challenging stigma. She has managed to overcome the difficulties she has faced, and has opted to live positively and help her community, especially HIV and AIDS affected children. Read on

Stamp out stigma

Irish celebrities Larry Mullen, Andrea Corr, Eamonn Dunphy and John Rocha have joined forces for a national awareness campaign on HIV and AIDS related stigma called Stamp Out Stigma. To read more, click here.

To view a series of advertisements featuring the celebrities, click on the links below:

• Andrea Corr
• Eamon Dunphy
• John Rocha
• Larry Mullen