HIV/AIDS is a major health issue affecting millions of lives every day. One person’s contribution (no matter how small) to the fight against HIV/AIDS goes a long way—it truly does! Here are a few ways that you can help individuals and communities living with HIV/AIDS.
Submitted
11/11/2005
By
Ahram
Views
18191
Comments
2
Updated
13/04/2006
What’s involved?
*Donate*
Donations are used to fund a variety of projects. These vary depending on the organisation. However, most organisations distribute their funds across one or more of the following key areas:
_Care and support for the people living with HIV/AIDS_. This includes:
*providing adequate medication and medical services
*poverty alleviation
*support and assistance for re-entry into the workforce
*support against discrimination and other issues confronting those living with HIV/AIDS.
_Education_: promoting awareness through preventative programs to reduce infection rates and educate people about HIV/AIDS and its related issues. This includes:
*Research: developing treatments for people living with HIV/AIDS, and ultimately, working to develop and find a vaccine and cure for HIV.
*Donate blood*
One donation of blood can save up to three lives. People with immune deficiency disorders, including HIV/AIDS, sometimes need blood transfusions to fight various infections. By donating your blood you’re giving people who are ill a greater chance of recovery.
*Volunteer*
Volunteering is a great way to help the fight against AIDS and HIV.
*If you want to volunteer at a particular organisation, send an email expressing your willingness to lend a hand.
*Run a cake stall or a fundraising event at your school or work
*Raise awareness*
There are lots of people out there who don’t know much about HIV/AIDS or who have incorrect information about it. Spreading knowledge helps people make safe and informed decisions.
*Start a discussion group aimed at creating awareness among young people and encouraging prevention.
*Make a film or piece of artwork that you think will raise awareness and educate others about HIV/AIDS. Enter it in a competition or organise to exhibit it somewhere.
*Write a letter to the government—lobby for more funding for projects helping the fight against HIV/AIDS.
*Get involved in activities for AIDS Awareness Week (24 November to 1 December) and World AIDS Day Australia (1 December). More information can be found at http://www.worldaidsday.org/events.asp.
*Organisations*
_AIDS Trust of Australia_:
http://www.aidstrust.com.au
_Artists Against Aids Worldwide_ (AAAW):
http://www.aaaw.org
_AusAID_ (the Australian Government’s overseas aid program):
http://www.ausaid.gov.au
_Australian AIDS Councils_:
http://www.acsa.org.au/link_ac.html
_Australian AIDS Fund Incorporated_:
http://www.aids.org.au
_Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations_ (AFAO):
http://www.afao.org.au
_Australian Red Cross_ (Blood Service):
http://www.giveblood.redcross.org.au/
_Bobby Goldsmith Foundation_ (an organisation that assists people living with HIV/AIDS in NSW):
http://www.bgf.org.au
_Global Fund for Children_:
http://www.GlobalFundForChildren.org
_Medecins sans Frontieres_ (MSF):
http://www.accessmed-msf.org/campaign/hiv01.shtm
_Oz Showbiz Cares/Equality fights AIDS_:
http://www.oscefa.org,au
_World Health Organisation_ (WHO):
http://www.who.int/en/
I want to do this!
