World Aids Day

It is World Aids Day! Of course I have to post today!! I thought I would share some stats and random thoughts. Stats came from the WHO and UNICEF. 

There are 35 million people living with HIV. In 2013, there were 2.1 million people newly infected. 240,000 were children. Less than 1 in 4 children with HIV had access to ART- the life saving medications. Less than 1 in 4. 

There are 153 million orphans in the world. 17.9 million have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS. 

17,000,000. That is a lot of zeros. That is a lot of children without parents. 

Most live in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. It is estimated that there are 10,0000 in China. 

Want to help?  It can be easy!  Ideas:

Help fight the stigma and fear. Be willing to educate yourself and others. 

Support a family you know that is affected by HIV. Just saying you care about them and that  HIV will not change how you interact with them goes a long way. 

Support charities that help those affected by HIV/AIDS.  My favorite is ELIM kids (they work in China with orphans and families dealing with HIV/AIDS. They educate orphanage staff and have a group foster home). https://www.facebook.com/elimkidschina 

Consider adopting a kiddo who is HIV positive:) 

Share something on social media for World Aids Day #WAD2014