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
19313
Comments
2
Updated
1/9/2009
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/
Why should people do this?
