 Dear Friend,
Today, December 1st is World AIDS Day - an international day to draw attention to the global AIDS pandemic. In Latin America and the Caribbean, there are an estimated 1.8 million people living with HIV/AIDS. Significantly, the Caribbean has the second highest rate of infection behind Sub-Saharan Africa. HIV/AIDS is not only an infectious disease, but also a complex social issue that requires education, action, and community-wide support for those living with HIV/AIDS.
On this day, The Resource Foundation is highlighting three innovative examples of the outstanding progress that our affiliates throughout Latin America and the Caribbean are making to address this global health issue.
Fundación Huesped, one of our Argentine affiliates, has been on the front lines in the fight against HIV/AIDS since 1989. Fundación Huesped organizes prevention-related educational activities and media campaigns to raise awareness about the disease among children, youth and communities. It also provides social services to people living with the disease, and is nationally and internationally renowned for its clinical research.
In the Dominican Republic, MUDE, one of our Caribbean affiliates, has been applying a peer multiplier approach to the prevention of HIV/AIDS. By educating male and female teens about the disease, engaging them in discussions and activities, and empowering them to take action with their friends, families and communities, MUDE has been working to create a generation of informed individuals who can make healthy choices for themselves, and spread the word about safe and responsible behaviors.
In Mexico, IMIFAP, another one of our affiliates, takes a different approach. In addition to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, IMIFAP trains health promoters in life skills and microenterprise development topics. They, in turn, train small-business owners living with the disease. This program enables HIV+ participants to acquire valuable life skills, generate additional income and raise their living standards.
Please join us in furthering such efforts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, prevent its spread, and improve the quality of life for children, women and men living with the disease.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Loren Finnell
President & CEO
Read more about the other HIV/AIDS programs we support.
Read about the innovative HIV/AIDS projects that Johnson & Johnson is supporting.
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